Why Does Tripping Persist Despite Smart Meters and Maintenance: Energy Minister Shri Tomar

Energy Minister Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar has expressed serious concern over the continued incidents of power tripping despite ongoing maintenance work and the installation of smart meters. He instructed all Managing Directors to thoroughly review the issue and implement necessary corrective measures. He further directed that Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and other responsible officials must conduct regular inspections of maintenance activities and record their observations in the registers maintained at power distribution centers. If tripping continues even after maintenance, accountability must be established and responsibility fixed on the concerned engineers.

Energy Minsister Shri Tomar, during a departmental review meeting held at the Mantralaya on Saturday, emphasised that any negligence in duty on the part of Chief Engineers (CEs) and Superintending Engineers (SEs) will invite strict action. Their responsibilities may also be reassigned to their juniors, if necessary. He also stated that officials demonstrating outstanding performance will be appropriately recognised and rewarded.

Make Indore a Tripping-Free City

Energy Minister Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar stated that just as Indore has consistently maintained its top position in cleanliness rankings. It should now set an example by becoming a tripping-free city. He pointed out that the majority of households in Indore are already equipped with smart meters, making this goal both practical and achievable. He further suggested that consumers should be encouraged to increase their sanctioned load where necessary following the installation of smart meters.

Secure Open Distribution Boxes and Transformers with Proper Fencing

The Energy Minister instructed officials to ensure that open distribution boxes are fitted with covers—preferably fiber-based. Fencing should be done around all transformers to prevent accidents. Electric lines passing through school premises should be surveyed and properly guarded. Additionally, departmental schemes meant for public benefit must be widely publicised.

Ensure Adequate Stock of Materials

Energy Minister Shri Tomar emphasised that all materials required for maintenance work must be readily available in stores and should also be stocked at distribution center level.

Distribution Centers to Be Developed as Model Units

The Minister held direct discussions with Junior Engineers and Assistant Engineers from the ten power distribution centers with the highest tripping and line losses across the three DISCOMs. He announced that these centers will be provided with necessary resources to develop them into model centers. If desired results are achieved within three months, the initiative will be expanded further.

Additional Chief Secretary for Energy, Shri Neeraj Mandloi, stated that after smart meters are installed, electricity bills should clearly mention any outstanding dues. In case of complaints about fast-running meters, older meters should be temporarily installed in parallel to compare readings. New equipment should be used for maintenance, and all scheduled maintenance must be completed on the assigned day. Tripping incidents should also be thoroughly analyzed.

The review meeting was attended by Shri Avinash Lavania, MD of Power Management Company, MDs of other power distribution companies, and senior officials.