NEW DELHI: Govt has asked all states and UTs to accelerate installation of smart electricity meters across all consumer categories, saying the mandatory rollout cannot be linked to billing mode — prepaid or postpaid — of the meter.In a communication to states, power ministry said installation of smart meters was mandatory under Central Electricity Authority’s Installation and Operation of Meters (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, in areas where a communication network is available. States have been asked to ensure that meters are installed within the timelines prescribed by Centre.Of the 20.3 crore meters approved under the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS), launched in July 2021, only 5.7 crore smart meters had been installed till June 30. The total number of functional smart meters, however, stands at over 7.2 crore, as several states have also installed them under different schemes. Though the initial deadline under RDSS was March 2026, it was extended by two years due to slow rollout.“The installation of smart meters provides for transparent and accurate billing for consumers with facility of consumption monitoring. It also facilitates an eco-system for energy transition and leveraging the benefits of time of day tariff which would enable in shifting loads to non-peak timings thereby reducing electricity bills,” the ministry said in the communication. “For distribution utilities, it would help in enhanced energy accounting, and operational efficiency.”The ministry also highlighted the convenience of prepaid smart meters, which allow consumers to recharge in small denominations, while helping distribution utilities with advance revenue collection and reducing working capital requirements.Most states, however, are configuring smart meters for postpaid billing. UP recently scrapped the prepaid system following complaints of irregularities and excessive billing.The ministry, however, clarified in its communication that installation of smart meters was mandated under statutory provisions irrespective of the billing mode, which was essentially a functional configuration.It has asked states and UTs to continue and accelerate the rollout so that the benefits of smart metering are realised by both consumers and distribution utilities.