Central government sanctions around Rs 7 billion for power infra and smart metering projects in Goa

The central government has approved Rs 2.42 billion for power infrastructure projects, including the replacement of old transformers and Rs 4.67 billion for smart prepaid metering projects. The infrastructure works in­clude replacement of older transformers with new transformers and panels, reconditioning of 33 kV feeders, 11 kV underground cable works, am­ong other things. Smart meters will have communication facilities, a meter data management system and a meter acquisition system. All data from meters will be acquired and analysed for load forecasting and loss calculation. Remote connection and disconnection will be possible with the meter. The department is also trying to reduce distribution losses, currently at 13 per cent, to a single digit number.