Need for the Meter Testing Drive

DERC's Meter Testing Team

1. Keeping in view the large number of complaints that were being received regarding the electronic meters which have been installed in the NCT of Delhi, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) decided to undertake a limited meter testing drive in order to allay the fears in the minds of the public regarding electronic meters. This meter testing drive was initiated by this Commission from the 1^st of October, 2005 and it concluded on the 10^th of January, 2006.

2. Earlier to this, there have been several other meter testing drives which include testing of meters by this Commission in 2003 wherein random samples were picked up from the godowns of Distribution Companies. Subsequently, the Distribution Companies also conducted there own meter testing drives in July/ August 2004 wherein the services of the Central Power Research Institute, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, was taken as an independent third party. Separately, the Government of NCT of Delhi had also conducted a meter testing drive in October/ November 2005 under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrates.

3. In the latest initiative by this Commission which took place during the period 1^st of October 2005 to 10^th January 2006, the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), an accredited laboratory of NABL and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) were also associated. The meter testing team thus comprised of officials of the DERC and the officials of the BIS and the CPRI. Officials of the Distribution Companies concerned were also a part of the team since without the presence of the Distribution Companies, the testing drive could not have been conducted. The list of the officials from the DERC, the BIS and the CPRI who took part in this meter testing drive is given at Annexure – I.

4. It would be pertinent to add that the BIS was associated with this drive since BIS is the government agency which has the mandate for laying down standards for electronic meters. Both domestic and foreign manufacturers have to get a BIS certificate before they can release their electronic meters in Indian markets. The choice of CPRI was arrived at after the DERC floated a limited tender, seeking the services of a NABL accredited laboratory in the public sector having the requisite experience for on-site meter testing. The testing of meters was conducted using CPRI’s own test equipment.

5. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a public notice on 5.9.2005 in seven leading newspapers comprising of English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi newspapers, inviting requests from the public for testing of meters. A copy of the public notice is given at Annexure – II. The drive was restricted to single phase domestic electronic meters only and the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) were requested to forward the names of two consumers whose electronic meters were suspected to be faulty. Though the public notice had indicated that the complaints should be routed through the RWAs, individual complaints which were received in the Commission were also entertained. A total number of 626 applications were received from the consumers in the NCT of Delhi.

6. The procedure adopted by the team for carrying out of testing of meters is as follows:

   1. Each meter was tested for a minimum consumption of 1 kWH.

   2. Only optical scanners were used for counting the pulses.

   3. Standard reference load of 4-6 KW was used.

   4. Meter testing report was generated on site itself and signed by all members of the team as well as the consumer. A copy handed over to the consumer at the site. A sample copy is enclosed at Annexure – III.

7. For testing of meters, a standard reference meter of 0.2 Class accuracy was used. The reference meter was Zera make, imported from Germany and owned by the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bangalore. The reference meter was calibrated by the CPRI in the month of June, 2005.

8.  A total of 536  meters were tested during the drive. The results of the drive are as tabulated below:

Table –1

Note: Out of 532 meters found within +/- 3%, 479 meters were found to be within +/- 1%

9. The break-up of the meters not tested and reasons thereof are given below:

Table -2

10.  While the statistics of the meters tested are already indicated in Table-1, it is clear from the results that the electronic meters which have been installed by the Distribution Companies are functioning well within the stipulated limits under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956. In fact, most of the meters are functioning between +/- 1% whereas the limits setup by the Indian Electricity Rules 1956 is between +/- 3%. Similar results were also arrived at by the earlier test-drives conducted by the DERC/ the GNCTD/ the Discoms. What has been observed, however, is that there is a problem of bunching of neutral wires in many cases which may lead to aberrations in recording of electricity consumption? This problem was especially noticed in the case of multi-storied houses, DDA flats, Consumer Group Housing Societies etc.  Though the problem of neutral wiring has been observed in as many as 18% of the meters tested, it would not be appropriate to extend this ratio to the entire city of Delhi since the meters tested were not a representative sample. It has to be borne in mind that it is only those consumers who felt that their meters were faulty had approached this Commission for testing and, therefore, this ratio would naturally be relatively high.

11. The problem of neutral wires arises because of faulty wiring in the consumer’s premises and this has to be rectified by the consumers themselves. Whether a consumer is having a faulty wiring or not can very easily be determined by observing the Earth Leakage indicator in the electronic meter. In case of any fault, the LED for Earth Leakage starts glowing. This issue was highlighted by the Commission in its advertisement “Do’s and Don’ts for change of meter/ meter testing”, published in eight newspapers on the 1^st of August 2005. A copy of the advertisement is given in Annexure IV. There is no doubt, however, that the Distribution Company should have advised the consumers of this potential problem while moving from mechanical to electronic meters. The DERC has given certain directions to the Distribution Companies in this regard which is highlighted below.

12. The problem of neutral wires, however, is an issue which clearly needs to be addressed and the Commission had held discussions with the Distribution Companies in the month of November 2005 and directions were issued to them on 28^th of November 2005 which included the following:

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.

13. The Commission had reviewed the matter in a meeting with the Distribution Companies, held on 13.1.2006, wherein the following feedback was given by the Distribution Companies:

1. Public advertisements/ pamphlets have been issued by the Distribution Companies, cautioning consumers of the problem of neutral wires and requesting them to check the LED lights of their electronic meters. Copies of such advertisements/ pamphlets are at Annexure V and VI respectively.

2. In the case of BSES companies, the issue of neutral wires has been highlighted in the electricity bills of consumers (copy at Annexure VII). The NDPL has addressed individual letters to all consumers whose meters were changed to electronic meters requesting them to check their meters for any indication of earth leakage (copy at Annexure VIII).

3. Meter readers of all the three Distribution Companies are checking each individual meter for potential neutral problem and it would take about two months to identify all such consumers. This exercise would thus be completed by about mid-March 2006.

4. Electricians have been trained by the Distribution Companies who can advise the consumers on the presence of neutral wire problem and its rectification.

 A team of representatives of Commission, CPRI and BIS was constituted to test the meters. Each testing team included one representative from each of the organisations. Representative of the respective licensee was also associated for witnessing the test. 

Public Notice Dated 5th September 2005

DELHI ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
(A statutory body of Govt. of NCT of Delhi)
Viniyamak Bhawan, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110 017

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), a statutory body set-up by the Government of NCT of Delhi, announces a Meter Testing Drive for Domestic Electronic Meters with the association of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.  This drive would be for a period of three months, i.e. from 1^st October, 2005 to 31^st December, 2005.

2.  This is a one-time drive by the Commission and the salient features are as follows:

   1. This drive is limited to domestic electronic meters only.

   2. All Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the NCT of Delhi who are being served either by NDPL or BSES may forward names of two domestic consumers whose electronic meters are suspected to be faulty.  The names of the consumers may be forwarded either by post or via e-mail (secyderc@nic.in) to Shri V.J. Talwar, Director (Engg.), DERC along with the following details:

a.        Address of the consumer

b.       Telephone no. of the consumer

c.        New K.No.

d.       Whether Single-phase or Three-phase meter

e.        Name of the Licensee: whether NDPL/BSES Yamuna Power Ltd./BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd.

3. During the three months period, i.e. 1st October, 2005 – 31st December, 2005, the Commission would be able to test approximately 500 electronic meters.  In case the number of consumers who wish to get their meters tested exceeds 500, a computer generated sample of 500 meters would be drawn up by the Commission.

4. The meter testing team will include officials from the DERC, the BIS and CPRI. The team will inform the consumers of the date of their visit at least three days in advance.  Representatives of the RWAs are requested to be present when the test is conducted.

5. All the RWAs are requested to forward the names of the two domestic consumers selected to the Commission, latest by 19th September, 2005.

6. The test report would be given to the consumer immediately after the completion of the test at site.

7. The entire expenditure for this drive shall be met by the Commission.

3. For any further clarification, Shri V.J. Talwar, Director (Engg.), DERC may be contacted at telephone No.26673613.

Secretary, DERC

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission
Viniyamak Bhawan, C-Block, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi-110017

Meter Testing Report                                     Date : 19.12.2005

Result : Consumer Meter recorded  0.10  %  more consumption.

It is to certify that the testing has been carried out as per the procedure prescribed by the Commission. An external load of 3.86 kW was used for testing for 1 kWh. The testing was carried out by using optical scanner for counting the pulses. Earthing from pole to meter is not proper. NDPL has been advised to rectify the same.

Difference between phase current and neutral current has been observed. There could be neutral mixing with the other meter in the premises. Further, earthing is also not available in consumer premises. The consumer has been advised to get both of these faults rectified. Before entering the premises Identity card was shown and visiting card handed over to the consumer.

Signature of the Consumer	Signature Of theCPRI Official	Signature ofBIS Official	Signature of NDPL Official	Signature of Commission Official
Sh J P Sharma	Sh Shankar Murthy Engg. Asstt.	Mr Jitender Kr Asstt. Director	Sh Tuhin Roy Officer	Anish Garg Dy. Director (Engg)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Meter Testing/ Changing is to be carried out by Licensee’s officials only. Consumers are advised to insist for production of Identity Card and Visiting Card of the Licensee’s official heading the team before allowing them to enter the premises. Entry to premises may be refused if team is not accompanied by Licensee’s official or if such official fails to produce both the Identity Card and Visiting Card.

APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR CHANGE OF METER

• Meter change shall be carried out in the presence of Registered Consumer or current occupant of the premises.

• The meter changing team shall bring all the required material, including wires, insulation tape, nuts and bolts, etc. and consumer shall not be asked to supply any material.

• Meter changing team shall ensure that all connections to meter are properly done and there are no loose/bare wires.

• Team shall also ensure that meter and terminal box are properly sealed after installation.

• The consumer should ensure that a copy of the meter change report is handed over to him after change of meter.

• Consumer should cross check his old and new meter numbers, final reading of the old meter and the initial reading of the new meter before signing the report

• After installation of new meter, if it is observed that ‘E/L’ (Earth Leakage) LED is emitting light (indicating some leakage in the internal wiring of the consumer), the consumer shall be advised by the Licensee to get his wiring checked to remove such leakage.

 APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR METER TESTING

• The meter shall be tested for at least 1 kWh

• Optical scanner shall be used for counting of pulses/revolutions

• The testing team should carry external load of appropriate rating of 1 kW to 3 kW.

• Approximate time required for meter testing for 1 kWh is as under

Licensee’s testing kit would indicate the load used during the test.

The consumer may record the time consumed during testing while signing Meter Testing Report. The consumer may also verify all the entries made in the report before signing it.

 In case of all meter related complaints, the Licensees may be contacted at the following telephone numbers

·          BSES Rajdhani Power Limited                                    -           39999733

·          BSES Yamuna Power Limited                                     -           39999733

·          North Delhi Power Limited                                         -           55111912

This notice has been issued in public interest for the knowledge of consumers in the NCT of Delhi.

                                                Secretary, DERC

NOTICE TO CONSUMERS

Metering

NDPL is committed to continuously improve its services associated with electricity distribution, while ensuring supply at competitive costs and recovery of dues from all concerned. This is possible by ensuring that all units of electricity bought by NDPL from the grid are properly accounted for and the units consumed at any premises are recovered from the consumer concerned. As such, NDPL has been migrating its metering system to state of the art electronic meters, which have significant tamper-proof features. Also, NDPL is now able to reconcile bulk energy transfers up to the point nearest to your premises, which is a Feeder / Distribution Transformer. We are now in a position to ascertain the gap between Energy provided by NDPL (into a Feeder / Distribution Transformer) and that accounted by aggregation of meter readings of consumers connected to such feeders / transformer. This gap reflects the un-accounted/un-metered consumption at the consumer-end.

The Hon'ble High Court of Delhi has vide its order dated 14-12-2005 in writ petition WP(C) No. 12328/2005 recently upheld that a Discom has the right to change, replace the existing meter with Electronic meter without the need to check the existing meters accuracy or status.

Wiring

It is vital from safety and accurate meter reading point of view that the internal wiring inside consumer premises is safe and correct. It is noteworthy that the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 read with the National Electrical Code and the National Building Code issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards -

• Oblige the consumers to maintain the internal wiring in good and correct condition at all times.

• Require that no electrical installation work (including additions, alternations, repairs and adjustments to existing installation) be carried out upon the premises on behalf of any consumer/owner except by qualified personnel -other than replacements of lamps, fans, fuses, switches, low voltage domestic appliances and fitting that do not alter the capacity and the character of the installations.

• Mandate that Interconnection of phases or neutrals of consumer loads must be avoided between two or more metered connections (read with IS 13779, Amendment 3 of December 2004).

If you are in an independent house with one independent metered connection you are not likely to encounter intermixing of wires. However, if you are in cluster of premises, you need to check and ensure that your internal wiring is independent of wiring of other metered premises.

All consumers where new Electronic Meters have already been installed are hereby advised to get their wiring checked for Earth Leakage and Intermixing of wiring (phase, neutral) between two or more metered connections. NDPL has trained such of the neighborhood electricians who volunteered themselves and the list, contact details of such electricians is placed on NDPL web site or can be obtained from its consumer care centers.

For all future installation of new electronic meters, NDPL shall check the wiring status for any intermixing, earth leakage and connected load and inform consumers about any need to get a problem rectified as on the date of checking.

With a view to protecting the internal wiring within consumer premises as also for safety, NDPL recommends the use of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) as main switch immediately after the Meter. This is designed to protect internal wiring as also secure against any Earth Leakage or Wiring errors, wrong interconnections, leakages that may arise within consumer premises. Please note that the use of ELCB' s is also mandated by law for premises with loads equal to or above 5 KW.

 For any further clarifications consumers are encouraged to contact our commercial call center at 55111912 between 9.00 am to 9.00 pm on all days or visit our consumer care centers.

NDPL -Hum Milkar Ek Ujwal Kal Banayeg