Background
As part of India’s ambitious Smart Metering initiative under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), one of the leading utilities on India’s west coast initiated the deployment of over 10.8 lakh smart meters across one of the country’s largest metropolitan cities. This large-scale modernization aims to transform the city’s power distribution network, ensuring real-time data acquisition, accurate billing, and improved customer service.
Business Challenges
The utility faced multiple challenges due to its dense urban environment and ageing infrastructure:
- Outdated metering systems leading to billing inaccuracies and revenue leakage.
- Limited real-time visibility into energy consumption and network health.
- High operational costs and frequent manual interventions.
- Requirement for vendor-neutral solutions to support multiple meter brands.
- Need to ensure data security, scalability, and seamless integration with enterprise systems.
Solution Delivered
To overcome these challenges, the utility implemented a comprehensive smart metering ecosystem powered by Fluentgrid, which included:
- Fluentgrid Unified Head End System (UHES): Cloud-hosted, enabling secure communication with smart meters for real-time data acquisition.
- Fluentgrid Meter Data Management System (MDMS): Deployed on AWS Cloud to provide scalability, performance, and strong data security.
- Support for IS-16444-compliant meters from multiple vendors to ensure vendor neutrality and flexibility.
- Fluentgrid Mobile Workforce Management System (MWFS): Empowering field teams with mobile tools for faster installations, maintenance, and issue resolution.
- Fluentgrid Smart Pre-Paid Metering System (SPM): Offering consumers flexible billing and prepaid options.
- Seamless integration with existing Billing, Network, and Field Management Systems for unified utility operations.
- Fluentgrid Customer Portal and Mobile App: Enabling consumer engagement, transparency, and self-service options.
Impact
The implementation of Fluentgrid’s integrated smart metering solutions delivered significant results:
- 8 million smart metering points successfully deployed across one of India’s largest cities.
- Improved billing accuracy and substantial reduction in revenue leakage.
- Enhanced revenue collection through accurate and timely billing cycles.
- Strengthened operational efficiency with reduced manual processes.
- Future-ready infrastructure aligned with India’s RDSS vision.
Conclusion
By modernizing its power distribution network with Fluentgrid’s smart metering solutions, the utility has taken a major step towards building a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem. This initiative ensures reliable and efficient service delivery while empowering consumers with transparency, control, and better energy management—setting a benchmark for utilities across the country.
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