NABL reviews complaint over smart prepaid meter testing

Lucknow: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has initiated a review following a complaint by the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP) alleging unauthorised testing of smart meters of IS 16444 standard at Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited’s (MVVNL) Hi-Tech Testing Laboratory in Gomti Nagar.

The development comes amid growing concerns over smart prepaid meters installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). In April, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), on the directions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, constituted a four-member technical committee to examine complaints related to the meters.

UPRVUP chairman, Avadhesh Kumar Verma, said a detailed complaint, along with supporting documents, was submitted to the NABL chief executive officer.

“NABL has accepted the complaint and initiated a review,” he said.

Responding to the allegations, MVVNL, in a written statement, said its laboratory is technically equipped and authorised to conduct acceptance testing of smart meters as per Indian Standards, including IS-13779, IS-14697 and IS-16444.

It added that Clause 3.1 of IS-16444 refers to IS-13779 and IS-14697, forming the basis of testing protocols. “All testing is conducted using duly calibrated equipment, and the lab has successfully carried out smart meter testing in the past,” the statement said.