DPDC to install smart meters

The government has initiated an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project with a view to setting smart meters in exchange of previous prepaid meters that have negative impacts and fails to protect the rights of the consumers in the Dhaka city.

The new project will provide smart meters containing meter data management software (DMS), system software (SS), and radio frequency (RF). The imperatives of the strategic software will fetch revenue that goes missing through illicit electric connection,  system loss will be removed to protect the rights of consumers, DPDC sources said.

In first phase the areas in Dhaka city under the DPDC  will come under smart meter if the project goes ahead as palnned by the authority. The ECNEC has approved the project with two packages.

The first one is pilot project and the second will  be  based on tender. The total cost of the project is around Tk. several hundred crores. But the first tender invited by DPDC has been cancelled due to the various charges brought by the bidders.

Another tender will  be invited in the days to come. In response to a query about the installation of smart meter from The Asian Age, the Power Division Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaous said that the project will reduce system loss and to defend revenue missing, plus

introduce modern technology to distribute power to the consumers.Project director Md. Momin told The Asian Age that the A M I project will be provided in the 36 divisions under DPDC from Dhaka's Kalyanpur to Narayanganj district. The project is expected to be completed by 2021. But the time may be extended.

The Power Cell Director General Engineer Mohammad Hossain told The Asian Age that smart meter will facilitate new avenues both for the government and the consumers.

DPDC Managing Director Prokash Dewan told The Asian Age that the smart meter will be capable to distributing smart service to the consumers and the whole management will become transparent and accountable.

DPDC Chief Engineer S M Shahidul Islam told The Asian Age that modern technology is a blessing. The Advance Metering Infrastructure will bring immense benefits.