Tata Power-DDL Brings Narrow Band-IoT Tech to its Smart Meters

After installing 2.3 Lakh smart meters on RF technology, Tata Power-DDL has launched a unique Narrow Band-IoT technology in Smart Meters.

After successfully installing 2.3 Lakh smart meters on RF technology, Tata Power Delhi Distribution (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power distribution company serving a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, has launched a unique Narrow Band–Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology in Smart Meters. This is the first installation of its kind in the country where smart meters have been installed on NB-IoT. The technology integration has been done involving meter manufacturers and NB-IoT service of Reliance-Jio Network.

NB-IoT is a new and cost-effective technology in the 4G and 5G spectrum with fast deployment quality. With this technology, the interference and obstruction arising due to public network congestion will not hamper the performance of smart meter anymore as data will smoothly flow through a dedicated channel. It will also enable more remote meter readings possible thereby ensuring the safety of the consumers during pandemic times.

Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO, Tata Power-DDL said, “Tata Power-DDL is a forerunner in adopting and implementing latest technologies and solutions for its consumers. The introduction of new Narrow Band–Internet of Things (NB-IoT) in smart meters is one such revolutionising technology. It is 4G & 5G compatible and will ensure smooth flow of data via a dedicated channel ironing out the interference and obstruction due to ever congested public network leading to seamless performance of smart meters. I believe, this unique technology integration will not only strengthen our credentials as a Utility of the Future but also take the Indian Smart Metering Mission to the next level.”

The interoperability has also been achieved at Meter Data Management level whereby meters from multiple makes and different technologies are collected, worked upon and analysed at the same platform.

Recently, the Discom had launched India’s First Grid-Connected Community Energy Storage System (CESS) in Rani Bagh, New Delhi. The project, executed in collaboration with Nexcharge, a joint venture between Exide India and Leclanché, saw the installation of a 150KW/528KWH CESS at Ranibagh Substation to improve the supply reliability at the distribution level that is mainly at load centre to mitigate peak load on Distribution Transformers.