Based on the report of Niti that I have quoted above, some of observations that I want to share are as follows-
a) State discoms are still unsure whether electricity is a commodity or a social upliftment tool. The later thought seems to dominate as the Discoms are facing a loss of 90000 cr annually.
b) The smart meters are expensive and have a low life as compared to the conventional ones.
c) Very few states have shown interest in opting for smart metering.
d) Many loss-making discoms are unable to invest in the upgradation and maintenance
of their equipment due to lack of resources.
e) According to data provided by Smart Metering Status | National Smart Grid Mission, Ministry of Power, Government of India, Genus in association with other companies are supplying smart meter majorly to the following states - UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and the total installation is 8122943. Clearly it is the leader in smart metering.
f) But lack of profitability for Discoms may delay the payment which may lead to debt trap for genus, as it is solely depending on smart metering.
g) Regarding the chart, the sudden spike in volume is not supported by any big announcements. Rather a recent news - A Surprise Hurdle For India's Smart Meter Plans | Mint is a point of caution. So this spike may be a trader’s trap.
Others may pl comment.