Letter Dated 28-10-2005 to Increase public awareness about functioning of Electronic Meters

F.17(70)/Engg./DERC/2005-06/2728-2730                                                   

28.10.2005

To

 Sub.:   Public awareness about functioning of new electronic meters being installed by Discoms.

 Sir,

             The on-going meter testing being carried out by the DERC, in association with the BIS and the CPRI, has revealed that high consumption recorded by some of the meters was due to the ‘Common Neutral’ being used in the consumers’ wiring.

2.         As you are aware, the new single-phase meters are equipped with two CTs, one in the phase circuit and the other in the neutral. Thus, these meters measure the incoming and outgoing currents and the difference in both the currents is indicated by E/L (Earth Leakage) LED. However, meter records energy as function of higher of the two currents. Thus, consumers should be made aware of these features before their installation, especially when there has been such a public outcry against these meters and this problem results in incorrect billing of the consumers.

3.         The Discoms are, therefore, directed, to carry out a special drive under the supervision of the District Manager to educate the consumers on this issue. Each connection where meter has been replaced may be checked for existence of ‘Common Neutral’ and consumer may be advised accordingly. Further, wherever meters are being replaced, they should be checked for ‘Common Neutral’ problem. Each Discom should also publish a list of Electricians, area-wise, who are trained to rectify the problem of ‘Common Neutral’. The rates for services of such electricians may also be publicized by the Discom. Action taken for compliance of this directive may please be reported to the Commission by the 15^th of November 2005.

Yours faithfully,

        (Somit Dasgupta)

  Secretary

Letter Dated 28-11-2005 on Problem of ‘neutral wire’ vis-ŕ-vis the Electronic meters

F.17(70)/Engg./DERC/2005-2006/3117-3119                                                

28.11.2005

To

Sir,

            This is with reference to the discussion held in the Commission today morning on the problem of ‘neutral wire’ vis-ŕ-vis the electronic meters in the NCT of Delhi.

2.         As decided in the meeting, the action plan for approaching the problem of ‘neutral wire’ shall be as follows:

1. The Discom will immediately give a public advertisement drawing the attention of consumers of the potential earth-leakage/ neutral wire problem which could be determined by observing the meter itself. Such of those consumers who observe Earth Leakage/Neutral Wire problem shall be advised to report the matter to the concerned Discom for further advice in the matter.

2. The meter readers of the Discoms will advise the consumers wherever there are indications in the meter that there could be an earth leakage/neutral problem. The meter reader will simultaneously inform the Discom also and the Discom will send their staff to ascertain if it is a problem of earth-leakage or neutral wire. The consumer would be suitably apprised of the remedial measures. This exercise would be completed within the next two months.

3. The Discom will simultaneously conduct an analysis of their billing module to segregate those meters where increase in consumption has been recorded to the extent of 50% or more after installation of electronic meters. Such meters would immediately be checked for internal wiring problem so that the consumers can be suitably apprised. This exercise shall be further extended to consumption in excess of 30% also in due course.

4. For rectification of the problem of neutral wire/earth-leakage, the consumers may take the services of electricians identified by the Discoms or employ their own electricians for this purpose.

 3.         The Discoms are hereby directed to immediately start this assignment and keep the Commission informed on a fortnightly basis.

 Yours faithfully,

 (Somit Dasgupta)
Secretary