Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology/Energy
Context
- The Union government under the Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) is planning to mandate domestically designed chips for smart meters by mid-2028 to strengthen cybersecurity and lower meter manufacturing costs.
About Smart Meter
- Smart meter is an advanced electricity meter, which empowers consumers by providing real-time insights to optimize electricity usage and reduce bills.
- Components of a Smart Meter:
- Measurement Unit: It accurately measures electricity consumption and records parameters such as voltage, current and energy usage.
- Microcontroller and Chip: It processes and stores electricity-consumption data and controls the meter’s electronic functions.
- Communication Module: It enables two-way communication between the smart meter and the DISCOM, allowing automatic transmission of consumption data and receipt of commands.
- Security System: Uses authentication, encryption and other safeguards to protect meter data and communication channels from unauthorised access, tampering and cyber threats.
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
- RDSS was introduced in 2021 with the objective to increase operational efficiency and financial sustainability of energy distribution businesses (DISCOMs).
- It aims at lowering distribution losses, enhancing the quality and reliability of electricity supply and upgrading distribution infrastructure.
- The programme has a large component of smart metering, especially for customers, feeders and Distribution Transformers (DTs).
Source: IE
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