Communication technology for prepaid smart metering in India: policy and strategic insights

Sandeep Kumar, Parikshit Kishor Singh and Anukram Mishra

International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, 2026, vol. 13, issue 3/4, 460-486

Abstract: India is currently deploying 250 million smart meters under the Smart Meter National Programme to enhance grid efficiency, reduce energy losses, and empower consumers through real-time data-based value adds. The success of this initiative heavily depends on selecting the right communication technologies that continue to meet the data and operational requirements of advanced metering infrastructure in a future-proof manner, as currently specified in form of SLAs published by the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM). This paper provides a detailed analysis of the communication needs of smart meters, including data types, volume, frequency, and throughput at different times and worst-case scenarios. It also evaluates the performance of existing and upcoming cellular technologies while addressing their limitations in this application. Recommendations are provided for policymakers to adopt balanced strategies, focusing on immediate deployment solutions but also keeping in perspective the long-term advancements such as increased data throughput and enhanced cyber security needs, to ensure the scalability and sustainability of smart metering infrastructure in the diverse Indian landscape.

Keywords: smart metering; advanced metering infrastructure; AMI; narrowband IoT; NB-IoT; service level agreements; SLAs; smart meter policies; demand-side management; DSM; retailer and aggregator policy; renewable energy tariffs; RedCap; demand response; India. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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