Kochi: Kerala has submitted over 20 projects including Aerial bunched cable (ABC) to reduce loss of power. Apart from installing smart meters, the projects submitted are aimed at modernizing the electrical power supply sector completely. Without central approval, finding funds for these projects will prove to be a challenge.

Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) are a modernized form of power lines that are fully insulated. The aim is to avoid electrocution in the event of the power lines breaking and falling on the ground. ABC will also help in preventing disruption of electricity due to tree branches touching power lines and employees getting electrocuted when working on said lines.

According to Power Finance Corporation records, the annual transmission loss in Kerala is 14.47%. This is not an exact figure as the difference between power purchased, sold and generated are considered as loss as of now. 

The motive behind this modernization is to bring this down to 10.5%. If smart meters are installed, not only can transmission loss be determined precisely, but also details of Kerala’s per minute power use will become apparent. This will help calculate the amount of power to be purchased from elsewhere.

Along with leftist unions, INTUC is also opposing the implementation of the smart meter project based on the TOTEX model. At the same time, KSEB Engineers Association holds the view that this project is necessary to overcome the financial crisis. 

In the smart meter tender called by the Electricity Board, the companies have recorded Rs 9,000 per minute as the lowest amount. Those whot oppose this project voice concerns over how this amount will be recovered if meters are bought at this rate and given to consumers. Rs 100-130 will be needed to be added as meter rent to the electricity bill to meet this cost.