]Srinagar, Feb 08: Under the much-hyped smart metering project, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is all set to install almost 58,000 smart meters in the first phase across Srinagar.

It  has been learnt that 15000 smart meters will be installed in Srinagar in the ongoing month (February).

Sources within the department said that over 11400 smart meters have already been installed in Srinagar, adding that 57,750 smart meters will be installed across Srinagar in the first phase.

They said that officials concerned have been directed by the department as well as the administration to speed up the pace of installation and ensure that the phase-I target is achieved at a shortest possible time.

The card erected in the smart meter will help in providing rating of the electricity load by the consumers, the officials said, adding that “the consumer will be able to identify when and how the electricity was used. It will make the consumer aware about the use of electricity and he will be able to get the details through the mobile application, which can be installed by the consumers.”

Besides, the officials said that the smart meters are set to reduce human efforts and give relief to linemen who otherwise have to climb poles to record power usage of consumers.

On complaints about resistance by the consumers, the officials said that police and administration has already been directed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir P K Pole to tackle resistance by any person in the process of installation of smart meters amicably. Strict action will be taken against those who will try to create hindrances or damages public property, the officials said. kno