Compliance Requirement under the Regulations in Accordance with the Act

• Meters to comply with BIS standards (Regulation 5)

All interface, consumer, and energy audit meters must comply with Bureau of Indian Standards. If unavailable, International Electrotechnical Commission or equivalent standards may be used, with required adjustments for Indian frequency, voltage, temperature, and humidity conditions. Conform to the standards on ‘Installation and Operation of Meters as specified in Schedule annexed to these regulations and as amended from time to time.

• Ownership of interface meters (Regulation 6 (1))

All interface meters at Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) interconnection points for billing shall be owned by CTU. Meters at Intra-State Transmission System interconnection points (excluding ISTS) shall be owned by STU. All interface meters installed at the points of inter connection between the two licensees excluding those covered under sub-clauses (a) and (b) above for the purpose of electricity accounting and billing shall be owned by respective licensee of each end. All interface meters installed at the points of inter connection for the purpose of electricity accounting and billing not covered under sub-clauses (a), (b) and (c) above shall be owned by supplier of electricity.

• Ownership of consumer meters (Regulation 6 (2))

Consumer meters are generally owned by the licensee. However, if an Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider is engaged, meter ownership remains with the service provider during the contract period. If any consumer opts to purchase a meter, the same may be purchased by him as per the technical specifications laid down by the licensee in compliance with these regulations and meter purchased by the consumer shall be tested, installed and sealed by the licensee:
Provided that the consumer shall claim the meter purchased by him as his asset only after it is permanently removed from the system of the licensee. All consumer meters shall bear BIS mark, meet the requirements of these regulations and have additional features as approved by the Appropriate Commission or pursuant to the reforms programme of the Appropriate Government. To facilitate this, the licensee shall provide a list of makes and models of the meters.

• Ownership of energy accounting and audit meters (Regulation 6(3))

Energy accounting and audit meters shall be owned by the generating company or licensee, as the case may be.

• Location of interface meter (Regulation 7(1))

Interface meter locations shall follow Table-1. Existing generating station meter locations cannot be changed without Authority approval. Generating companies or licensees may install additional meters as required. The scheme for location of interface meters shall be submitted to the Central Transmission Utility or the State Transmission Utility or the licensee by owner of the meter in advance, before the installation of the scheme.

• Location of interface meter (Generating station) (Regulation 7(1))

1. Main Meter: On all outgoing feeders including bus sectionalized or tie line between two stages of generating stations having different tariffs or different ownership or both
2. Check Meter: On all outgoing feeders including bus sectionalized or tie line between wo stages of generating stations having different tariffs or ownership or both
3. Standby Meter:
   (i)High Voltage (HV) side of generator transformers
   (ii) High voltage side of all station auxiliary transformer
   Provided that the location of main, check and standby meters installed at the existing generating stations shall not be changed unless permitted by the Authority

• Location of interface meter (Transmission and Distribution System ) (Regulation 7(1))

1. Main Meter:
   (i) At one end of the line between the substations of the same licensee;
   (ii) At both ends of the line between substations of two different licensees: Provided that meters at both ends shall be considered as main meters for respective licensees.
2. Standby Meters:
   (i) There shall be no separate standby meter.
   (ii)Meter installed at other end of the line in case of two different licensees shall work as standby meter.

• Location of interface meter (Inter-Connecting Transformer (ICT)) (Regulation 7(1))

1. Main meter: High Voltage (HV) side of ICT.
2. Location of Standby Meter: Low Voltage (LV) side of ICT.

• Location of interface meter (Consumer permitted open access of >650 V)(Regulation 7(1))

1. Consumers directly connected to Inter-State, Intra-State, or Distribution Systems with open access above 650 V (or others not covered) shall have the main meter installed at the consumer premises.
2. Standby Meter: At consumer premises on separate Instrument Transformer or at Licensee’s substation as mutually agreed.

• Location of interface meter (Consumer permitted open access of <650 V ) (Regulation 7(1))

1. Main meter: At consumer premises
2. Check meter: At consumer premises

• Location of consumer meter (Regulation 7(2))

Consumer meters shall be installed by the licensee at or outside the premises. If installed outside, an in-home display must be provided on request. Billing shall be based on the consumer meter reading.
The location of meter and height of meter display from the floor shall be as specified in IS 15707 and as amended from time to time.
For outdoor installations, the meters shall be protected by appropriate enclosure of level of protection as specified in the IS 15707 and as amended from time to time.

• Location of energy accounting meter (Regulation 7(3))

Energy accounting and audit meters shall be installed at generating stations after generator stator terminals and before the unit auxiliary transformer tap-off to measure energy accurately.
Provided that in case of Renewable energy generating station, the meter shall be installed at the inverter Alternating Current (AC) output terminals.
Provided that in case, numerical relays having built-in feature of energy measurement of requisite accuracy are provided in high voltage or low voltage switchgear, separate energy meter is not necessary.
Transmission system. – all incoming and outgoing feeders (if the interface meters do not exist)
Distribution system.- 
(a) all incoming feeders (3.3 kV and above);
(b) all outgoing feeders (3.3 kV and above);
(c) sub-station transformer including distribution transformer

Licensee may provide the meter on primary or secondary side or both sides depending upon the requirement for energy accounting and audit:
Provided that all feeders and distribution transformers shall be provided with meters having automatic remote meter reading facility or Smart Meters as per relevant IS, as per the timelines specified by the Central Government:
Provided further that distribution transformer level energy accounting data shall be uploaded by the distribution licensees on quarterly basis on National Power Portal as per the format prescribed in Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Manner and Intervals for Conduct of Energy Audit in electricity distribution companies) Regulations, 2021

• Every meter to meet the accuracy requirements as per the standards (Regulation 8)

Every meter shall meet the requirement of accuracy class as specified in the standards given in the Schedule.

• Compliances for installation of meters (Regulation 9)

Meters must be tested and approved before installation. They should be installed at accessible locations causing minimal disruption. For single-phase meters, no shared or looped neutral/phase wiring is allowed; if found, the consumer must rectify it within 15 days of notice.

Consumer shall install the Earth Leakage Protective Device (ELPD) in accordance with the provisions of the rules or regulations in this regard.
If the earth leakage indication is displayed in the meter, the licensee shall suitably inform the consumer through installation report or regular electricity bills or meter test report or SMS as applicable, as soon as it comes to it’s notice and the same shall be rectified by the consumer within 15 days from such notice by the licensee.
In case Instrument Transformer form part of the meters, the meter shall be installed as near as possible to the Instrument Transformer to reduce the potential drop in the secondary leads.

• Compliances for Operation/testing/maintenance of meters (Regulation 10)

The operation, testing and maintenance of all types of meters shall be carried out by the generating company or the licensee.

• Meter access to be provided to authorized representative (Regulation 11)

The owner of the premises where, the meter is installed shall provide access to the authorized representative(s) of the license for installation, testing, commissioning, reading and recording and maintenance of meters.

• Compliances for sealing meters (Regulation 12 (1))

All meters must be manufacturer sealed. Interface meters are sealed by both supplier and buyer; consumer meters by the licensee; and audit meters by the licensee or generating company. A tracking system for seal movement and records must be maintained by the licensee.
Seal shall be unique for each utility and name or logo of the utility shall be clearly visible on the seals.
Only the patented seals (seal from the manufacturer who has official right to manufacture the seal) shall be used.
Polycarbonate or acrylic seals or plastic seals or holographic seals or any other superior seal shall be used.
Lead seals shall not be used in the new meters. Old lead seals shall be replaced by new seals in a phased manner and the time frame of the same shall be submitted by the licensee to the Appropriate Commission for approval.

• Compliances for removal of seals from meters (Regualtion 12(2))

Interface meter seal removal requires prior notice to the other party, with proper recording of details like date, seal numbers, and reason. Consumer meter seals can only be handled by the licensee; any tampering by consumers is prohibited and punishable. Energy accounting and audit meters Seal of the energy accounting and audit meter shall be removed only by the generating company or the licensee who owns the meter.

• Compliances for ensuring safety of meters (Regulation 13)

(1) The supplier or buyer in whose premises the interface meters are installed shall be responsible for their safety.
(2) The consumer shall, as far as circumstances permit, take precautions for the safety of the consumer meter installed in his premises belonging to the licensee.
(3) Licensee shall be responsible for the safety of the Consumer Meter located outside the premises of the consumer and the consumer shall be responsible for the safety of the in home display unit installed by the licensee in consumer premises.
(4) The generating company or the licensee who owns the energy accounting and audit meters shall be responsible for its safety.

• Meter reading and recording of interface meters (Regulation 14(1))

Interface Meters:
It shall be the responsibility of the Generating Company or the licensee, in whose premises the meter has been installed, to download the meter data, record the metered data and furnish such data to various agencies as per the procedure laid down by the App. Comm.
Provided that the responsibility of maintaining database of all the information associated with the Interface Meters and verifying the correctness of the metered data shall be in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Appropriate Commission.
The metered data shall be communicated to the respective Load Dispatch Centre by using a secured and dedicated communication system.

• Meter reading and recording of consumer meters (Regulation 14(2))

The licensee shall download, record, maintain, and verify consumer meter data. The Appropriate Regulatory Commission will specify the timeline for implementing electronic meter reading.

The licensee shall maintain accounts for the electricity consumption and other electrical quantities of its consumers:
Provided that the licensee shall provide information to the consumer related to his energy consumption through Mobile App or Web application or in home display or any other suitable means.
Brief history, date of installation and details of testing, calibration and replacement of meters shall be maintained by the licensee.

• Meter reading and recording of energy accounting and audit meters (Regulation 14(3))

(a) It shall be the responsibility of the generating company or licensee to download the meter data locally or remotely, record the metered data, maintain database of all the information associated with the energy accounting and audit meters and verify the correctness of the metered data.

(b) Each generating company or licensee shall prepare quarterly, half-yearly and yearly energy account for its system for taking appropriate action for efficient operation and system development.

• Steps to be taken at time of interface meter failure or discrepancies (Regulation 15(1))

If the difference between Main and Check meter exceeds 0.5%, connections and accuracy must be tested and defective meters replaced. In case of failures or errors beyond limits, meters must be replaced immediately, ensuring matching accuracy class at both ends.

In case where both the Main meter and Check meter fail, at least one of the meters shall be immediately replaced by a correct meter.
Billing for the Failure period:
(i) The billing for the failure period of the meter shall be done as per the procedure laid down by the Appropriate Commission.
(ii) Readings recorded by Main, Check and Standby meters for every time slot shall be analyzed, crosschecked and validated by the Appropriate Load Dispatch Centre (LDC). The discrepancies, if any, noticed in the readings shall be informed by the LDC in writing to the energy accounting agency for proper accounting of energy. LDC shall also intimate the discrepancies to the Appropriate Transmission Utility or the licensee, who shall take further necessary action regarding testing, calibration or replacement of the faulty meters in accordance with the provisions laid down.
The defective meter shall be immediately tested and calibrated

• Steps to be taken at time of consumer meter failure or discrepancies (Regulation 15(2))

In case the consumer reports to the licensee about consumer meter readings not commensurate with his consumption of electricity, stoppage of meter, damage to the seal, burning or damage of the meter, the licensee shall take necessary steps as per the procedures given in the Electricity Supply Code of the Appropriate Commission read with the notified conditions of supply of electricity.

• Steps to be taken at time of energy accounting and audit meter failure or discrepancies (Regulation 15(3))

Energy audit meters must be promptly repaired or replaced if errors exceed limits, readings are abnormal, tampering or damage occurs, or readings mismatch with interface meters.

Energy accounting and audit meters shall be rectified or replaced by the generating company or licensee immediately after notice of any of the following abnormalities:
(a) the errors in the meter readings are outside the limits prescribed for the specified Accuracy Class;
(b) meter readings are not in accordance with the normal pattern of the load demand;
(c) meter tampering, or erratic display or damage.
(d) readings not in conformity with the readings of Interface Meters

• Anti-tampering feature to be provided in meters (Regulation 16)

The meters shall be provided with such anti-tampering features as per the Standards on Installation and Operation of Meters given in the Schedule.

• Quality assurance and testing of meters (Regulation 17)

Licensee must implement a quality assurance and meter testing system approved by the Appropriate Commission. It shall use accredited labs and obtain National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation for its labs if not already certified.
The generating company or licensee shall ensure that all type, routine and acceptance tests are carried out by the manufacturer complying with the requirement of the relevant Indian Standards.

• Calibration and periodical testing of interface meters (Regulation 18 (1))

Interface meters must be tested at commissioning with a higher-accuracy reference meter. They shall be tested at least every 5 years by accredited labs and recalibrated if needed and also tested whenever readings appear abnormal or inconsistent. Testing and calibration of Interface Meters shall be carried out in the presence of the representatives of the supplier and buyer by giving the advance notice to the other party regarding the date of testing

• Calibration and periodical testing of consumer meters (Regulation 18 (2))

Consumer meters must be tested at site by accredited labs at least every 5 years and recalibrated if needed. Alternatively, the licensee may replace the meter with one already tested in an accredited laboratory.
Provided further that meter shall be tested if the consumption pattern changes drastically from the similar months or seasons of the previous years or if there is consumer’s complaint pertaining to a meter:
Provided also that the meter used for testing shall be of better accuracy class than the meter under test.

• Calibration and periodical testing of energy accounting and audit meters (Regulation 18 (2))

Energy audit meters must be tested on-site by accredited labs at least every 5 years or if accuracy is doubtful or readings mismatch. Defective meters shall be recalibrated, without removing Instrument Transformer connections.
Energy Accounting and Audit Meters shall be tested at site through accredited test laboratory at least once in five years or whenever the accuracy is suspected or whenever the readings are inconsistent with the readings of other meters, e.g., Check Meters, Standby Meters and defective meters shall be recalibrated, if required:
Provided that the testing shall be carried out without removing the Instrument Transformers connection

• Compliances for connecting additional meters (Regulation 19)

The licensee may install additional meters or devices to measure, regulate, or monitor electricity usage, supply duration, demand, or rate of supply to the consumer, as required. Provided that the meter, indicator or apparatus shall not, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, be placed otherwise than between the distributing mains of the licensee and any meter:
Provided further that, where the charges for the supply of energy depend wholly or partly upon the reading or indication of any such meter, indicator or apparatus as aforesaid, the licensee shall, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, keep the meter, indicator or apparatus correct.

• Cyber security guidelines to be complied (Regulation 20)

Generating Company and licensee shall comply with cyber security guidelines issued by the Central Government, from time to time, and the technical standards for communication system in Power Sector laid down by the Authority