In a groundbreaking development for India’s power sector, GMR Smart Electricity Distribution Company, a subsidiary of GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited (GPUIL), has won a prestigious order worth ₹7,593 crore for the installation of smart meters in Uttar Pradesh. The project has been secured under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) programme initiated by the government of India. This marks a significant milestone for the GMR Group as it makes its entry into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment within the power sector on a large scale.
The project, undertaken under the DBFOOT (Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model, is set to deploy an impressive 75.69 lakh prepaid smart meters across two power distribution companies, namely Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL) and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL). Notably, this contract represents the largest combined package order of its kind, highlighting the scale and significance of the initiative.
Covering 22 districts, the smart meter installation will encompass prominent areas such as Varanasi, Prayag Raj, Agra, Mathura, and Aligarh, among others. With this ambitious undertaking, GMR aims to revolutionize the energy landscape in these regions, enabling efficient power distribution, consumption monitoring, and enhanced customer experience.
Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman – Energy, GMR Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s entry into the B2C business in the power sector, stating, “These wins underscore GMR’s commitment to pivot into green and technology-based energy business with a customer-centric growth strategy. With this mandate, GMR Group makes its entry into the B2C business in the power sector at a substantial scale and will create value for GPUIL shareholders.”
The scope of the project includes comprehensive responsibilities such as design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of prepaid smart meter infrastructure at both consumer premises and the network level. This will encompass distribution transformers and feeders, all of which will be managed and maintained for a period of ten years.
GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited (GPUIL), part of the esteemed GMR Group, are renowned for their expertise in the energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation sectors. The project’s focus on green and technology-driven energy aligns perfectly with the company’s broader vision of exploring new growth business areas in the power sector.
The adoption of prepaid smart meters will undoubtedly lead to a significant reduction in energy losses, improved bill accuracy, and better energy management for consumers and the utilities alike. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the project promises to be a game-changer in achieving greater energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices.
With this groundbreaking initiative in Uttar Pradesh, GMR Smart Electricity Distribution Company sets a shining example for the nation’s power sector to embrace innovation and advanced technologies, transforming the way electricity is distributed, consumed, and managed.