Ministry’s audit bureau greenlights deal for 500,000 smart meters

• The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy will complete installation operations in various sectors, notably those not covered in the first phase, particularly the private housing sector

• The smart meters would contribute to eliminating human errors and misreading and allow for remote connection or disconnection of power in cases of maintenance or accumulation of debts.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s audit bureau approved awarding the tender for 500,000 smart electricity meters, including installation and maintenance, in its second phase, opting for the lowest prices.

Sources indicate that the ministry is currently preparing to sign contracts with the winning company to commence supply and inspection activities, completing installation operations in various sectors, notably those not covered in the first phase, particularly the private housing sector.

The sources further explain that the ministry is eager to replace mechanical meters with smart meters due to their numerous advantages for both customers and the ministry. Among the most prominent benefits is the reduction of customer dues by promptly notifying them of their consumption. Smart meters are designed to accurately display the volume of consumption, thereby preventing unjustified usage.

The sources confirmed that smart meters would contribute to eliminating human errors and misreading, as well as rationalizing spending and controlling consumption through the presence of prepaid meters. This enables customers to manage their spending according to their budget.

They pointed out that these meters send instantaneous alerts to the control and maintenance team to report faults. Smart meters also allow for remote connection or disconnection of power in cases of maintenance or accumulation of debts.

They further explained that the advantage of these meters is the ability to convert from a postpaid meter to a prepaid meter remotely through the systems, without the need for on-site intervention, greatly contributing to consumption management.