STELCO to introduce smart meter, allow real-time energy consumption updates

State Electric Company (STELCO)’s MD Hassan Mughnee has announced plans to introduce start meters which will allow customers to obtain real-time updates on energy consumption within 2020.

Mughnee made the announcement at the unveiling of STELCO’s 70th anniversary logo this Monday.

Mughnee said STELCO was committed to expanding its services by adopting new technologies.

“We are finding ways to modernize the services we provide to our customers through technological advancements. We will install smart meter technology within the next year, and allow our customers to check energy consumption at individual households in real-time via an application and calculate future demand,” said Mughnee.

He said STELCO also planned on introducing prepaid payment services.

Mughnee said STELCO has conducted the necessary research, and has held discussions with companies which already use the technology in order to prepare to introduce the technology at STELCO.

He said the company required certain investments, but expected to be able to initiate work on the project in late 2019 or early 2020.

“Practical work will begin at end of this year or beginning of next year,” said Mughnee.

“Next year, you will be able to check your electricity bill from wherever you are. And you will see how much the current consumption is, and will be able to predict [how much the final energy consumption will be], and will therefore be able to manage [future energy consumption]. You will also be able to switch off your meter with the application,” explained Mughnee.

“The previously installed meters cannot transmit to our headquarters. The meters need to be able to transmit directly to STELCO. If smart meter is installed, it can communicate with our software and relay energy consumption information.”

He said the implementation of the technology will allow customers to check their electricity bill, total energy consumption at the end of the month, and the amount due.

He also announced plans to expand its solar energy services.