Indore Industries Push Back Against Mandatory Power Quality Meters
Industrial consumers in Indore are mounting strong opposition to a new mandate requiring high tension consumers to install power quality meters. Industry associations have raised serious concerns about the financial burden, technical challenges, and implementation clarity of this requirement.
Meeting Reveals Deep Industry Concerns
The Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company organized a meeting in Indore to address queries from HT consumers. This meeting followed directions issued by the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission. Discussions focused on technical aspects of the meters and implementation guidelines.
Industrialists under the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh banner voiced strong opposition during the gathering. They argued the requirement would place an unbearable financial strain on businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.
Financial Burden and Limited Supplier Options
Association president Yogesh Mehta highlighted the substantial costs involved. "The cost of a single power quality meter exceeds Rs 5 lakh," Mehta explained. "When we add installation and maintenance expenses, the burden becomes unbearable for small industries."
Mehta also objected to the limited number of approved suppliers. "Currently only two companies have authorization, and both are foreign firms," he noted. "This contradicts the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the government's push for indigenous manufacturing."
Technical and Operational Concerns
Industry representatives raised multiple technical issues during the meeting. They expressed concerns about data security, operational reliability, and implementation clarity.
"There is no clarity on data privacy, cyber security, maintenance responsibility, or reading accuracy," Mehta emphasized. "These issues must be resolved before making the meters mandatory."
The association proposed limiting the requirement to larger consumers. "If implementation is necessary, it should only apply to consumers above 2,500 KVA," Mehta suggested.
Industry Demands and Infrastructure Concerns
Rolling Mill Association president Satish Mittal referenced practices in other states. "Punjab's electricity utility has issued a clear circular on this issue," Mittal stated. "If the directive comes from the central regulator, rules should be uniform across the country."
Industry bodies noted that similar provisions currently operate only in Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Other states have not implemented mandatory power quality meters.
The association submitted a formal memorandum to power distribution officials. They demanded reconsideration of the rule and postponement until more manufacturers enter the market.
Honorary secretary Tarun Vyas stated clearly: "Until complete clarity exists, no high tension consumer is ready to install these meters."
Industrialists also urged the utility to prioritize infrastructure improvements. "Issues like frequent tripping, voltage fluctuation, and high line losses in industrial areas must be resolved first," Vyas insisted.
More than 250 industrialists attended the meeting and recorded their opposition to the mandatory installation requirement.
