Yavatmal: In a maiden attempt in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, the Yavatmal circle of MSEDCL is set to replace the existing energy meters with the new `infra-red meters` in Pusad city shortly.
"It aims to ensure fool proof meter reading of the energy consumption by the consumers and we are initially launching the scheme in Pusad town. During the first phase we would replace 18a,900 old meters with the newly introduced `infra-red meters`," superintending engineer Babasaheb Jadhav said on Tuesday.
The infra-red energy meters along with the modem would be installed at consumers` residences in Pusad city next month and the old meters would be withdrawn, Jadhav said, adding that the meters are expected to arrive in a fortnight and thereafter the installation would begin.
The scheme would be extended to other cities in the district in a phased manner. The new meter would cost around Rs 1,200 each and it would be borne by the company.
Explaining the functioning of the infra-red meters, Jadhav said anyone can take the reading automatically within a distance of 300 meters from the place of installation and the data would be reproduced with the help of a computer device attached with the internet connection.
"At present, we are spending Rs seven per meter and it would be saved with the commissioning of the infra red meters," he said, adding that the umpteen number of complaints often received from the consumers about faulty reading, irregular and excess billing can now be solved with the help of the hi-tech meter system in offing.
PTI
