Polaris has been awarded the contract of INR 2,246 Crores to install 2.2 million smart meters in the state of West Bengal. The project aims to reduce losses for DISCOMs and empower consumers by introducing smart prepaid meters. With this order, Polaris has successfully closed orders over INR 7,700 Crores across the geographies of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Manipur, Bihar and Ladakh.
As per the agreement, Polaris Smart Metering will supply, commission, install and maintain smart meters for consumers and system metering across the consumer base in these important clusters for the next 10 years. These smart meters will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling prepaid billing, real-time energy monitoring, accurate metering, and improved grid management capabilities. This contract comes under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Own-Transfer (DBFOOT) agreement. In addition to West Bengal, Polaris has also secured a contract of INR 206 Crores for smart meter installation in Manipur in the region of Imphal to install over 1.6 lakh smart meters.
The primary objective of this project is to reduce losses for DISCOMs and to empower consumers by introducing smart prepaid meters, enabling them to have better control over their energy consumption. Through the implementation of these smart meters, consumers will have real-time access to their energy usage data, allowing them to monitor and manage their consumption patterns effectively. This will result in a more informed decision-making process for consumers, fostering a culture of energy conservation and responsible electricity usage. Additionally, consumers will have the flexibility to recharge their meter as per their convenience, avoiding the inconvenience of monthly visits from meter readers or the hassle of bill payment. This will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also streamline the overall billing process.
“We are thrilled to have received the contracts for West Bengal & Manipur to install smart meters,” said Mr. Yashraj Khaitan, Co-Founder of Polaris. “By introducing smart prepaid meters, we aim to empower consumers with the ability to make informed decisions about their energy usage. Polaris is committed towards digitizing and transforming India’s electricity grid and marks a significant stride towards a smarter and more sustainable energy future for our country.”
“Our vision for dependable, streamlined, and eco-friendly services is in sync with the strategic partnership we’ve established with Polaris” said Mr. Dipak Pal, Chief Engineer of WBSEDCL. “The introduction of smart meters is poised to transform the way consumers engage with their energy usage. We have confidence in the positive outcomes of this collaboration, underscoring our dedication to technological progress for the betterment of the state of West Bengal.”
Consumers will no longer have to rely on traditional meter reading practices or endure the hassle of monthly bill payment. The introduction of smart prepaid meters will allow consumers to have the flexibility of recharging their meters at their convenience, eliminating the inconvenience of meter reader visits and the chance of bill miscalculations. This will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also streamline the overall billing process.
Polaris is committed to delivering superior energy solutions that benefit both consumers and DISCOMs. These smart meters will not only reduce losses for DISCOMs but also enable them to have better control over their energy distribution systems. With more accurate and real-time data, DISCOMs can identify areas of high energy consumption and proactively address energy distribution challenges.
To tackle power theft, Polaris has internationally patented algorithms to enable DISCOMs to detect and address power theft effectively. In addition, Polaris’s technology will also enable DISCOMs to implement advanced demand-response policies for maximum integration of renewable energy sources in their power purchase portfolios. In addition to this, Polaris ensures a high level of cyber security by encrypting its entire communication stack and employing multiple layers of encryption for data privacy. This includes identity and access management, authorization, and a user privilege system.
Polaris Smart Metering is committed to partnering with state governments, utilities, and consumers to ensure a successful implementation of the smart prepaid metering system. Prior to this, Polaris has won multiple smart metering contracts, including contracts in Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh and Bihar for installing over 5.2 million smart meters for a value of more than ₹5381 Crores cumulatively. Polaris is involved in manufacturing, supply, installation, integration, testing and commissioning of AMI Projects in India, which will herald a transformation in the energy landscape benefiting consumers, the environment, and the overall sustainability of the country.
