Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has requested the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) to approve the installation of smart meters under the Capex model as part of its 2025-26 tariff application.
This comes after significant opposition to the current rent-based cost recovery model, which has led to protests from farmers and consumers in Bargarh, accusing the company of inflated billing and unethical practices.
TPCODL highlighted the benefits of smart meters, which provide real-time consumption data, helping consumers identify inefficiencies and reduce energy usage. For distribution companies (discoms), the data enables better power purchase planning and minimizes unnecessary costs for consumers.
The utility argued that adopting the Capex model would resolve meter rent concerns and support the central government's targets for smart meter installation. TPCODL assured that the tariff impact on consumers would be minimal. The OERC will review the proposal along with the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) applications.
