New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) A recent poll by CII regarding the implementation of Smart Metering in India indicates a favorable outlook towards the adoption of smart meters within the country. The feedback from respondents highlighted the necessity for mandating smart meter installations through transparent regulatory measures and enhancing consumer access to data, precise billing, and timely resolution of complaints.

Commenting on the poll's results, Suket Singhal, the Chief Executive Officer of Secure Meters Group and leader of the CII Taskforce on Smart Metering for 2024-25, stated: "The most crucial insight from this poll was the imperative to enhance consumer engagement. By ensuring that the experience of prepayment in electricity matches or surpasses that of mobile telephony or DTH, we can fulfill our commitment to customers as an industry."

"Once consumers are properly educated, their engagement will be sustained, and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) will gain acceptance at the grassroots level," he continued.

The poll's conclusions stem from responses gathered over the past two months from participants of the 3rd CII Smart Meter Conference, examining various facets of smart meter initiatives, infrastructure, challenges, consumer awareness, security, and areas for enhancement.

While many consider the current state of smart metering infrastructure in India to be average, 41% of respondents expressed a positive perspective. Key challenges identified included outdated utility infrastructure causing interoperability and data management issues, unreliable connectivity in remote regions, regulatory barriers, a slow procurement process, and a lack of awareness regarding billing and privacy issues, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach and educational initiatives.

Singhal remarked: "What consumers desire is an improved experience, which can be achieved by allowing everyone to pay what they can, when they can."

Additionally, addressing cyber vulnerabilities was recognized as a vital component in fostering confidence among stakeholders. All systems must be designed with security as a priority, ensuring robust processes for data privacy and protection, he added.

Singhal further emphasized the importance of modernizing distribution grids for both short- and medium-term success. "RDSS represents one of the world's finest smart metering frameworks. As an industry, we must deliver this to the nation."