This press release follows news coverage by NLTV on November 7, 2025, regarding the installation of Smart Electricity Meters in Dimapur. The Office of the Chief Engineer (D&R), Department of Power, Nagaland, would like to inform our esteemed consumers of the following points:
A. For Existing Consumer Meters:
1. Installation/Replacement of Conventional Meters: – The installation or replacement of existing conventional meters with Smart Meters is free of charge under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Initially, the Smart Meters installed under RDSS will operate in a post-paid mode, and therefore an initial recharge amount will not be required. Once the Smart Metering system stabilizes, we will transition to a prepaid mode, and consumers will be informed in advance via SMS, email, or print media.
We request our valued consumers to update their contact information, such as mobile numbers and email addresses, as printed electric bills will no longer be issued due to the digital migration to a paperless billing system.
2. Installation of Smart Prepaid Meters: – The installation or replacement of existing conventional meters with Smart Prepaid Meters under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme is also free of charge. However, consumers will need to pay an initial recharge amount (up to Rs. 500) for the activation and usage of the prepaid meter, which will operate in prepaid mode from the moment of installation.
B. For New Service Connections and Additional Meters/Load Changes: –
1. Application Requirements: – For any new service connections or requests for additional meters (sub-meters) or load changes, applications must be submitted along with relevant documents, including a Wiring Completion & Test Report/Certificate issued by an authorized Licensed Electrical Contractor under the Department of Power, Nagaland (DoPN). This report is necessary to issue a Smart Meter for free installation.
2. Mandatory Test Report/Certificate: – It is important to note that a Test Report/Certificate is mandatory to secure new service connections and additional meters. Only registered electrical contractors under DoPN, who have completed the internal wiring of the building, are authorized to issue such reports/certificates at no charge. Thus, we advise engaging a licensed electrical contractor for internal wiring to ensure compliance with safety standards and quality work.
3. Illegal Practices: – We have observed that many prospective consumers or property owners hire unauthorized electricians for internal wiring. These owners then attempt to obtain service connections by arranging test certificates from licensed electrical contractors who have not conducted the wiring work. This practice is illegal and should be strictly avoided. – Engaging a non-licensed or unauthorized contractor/electrician may lead to purchasing a Test Report/Certificate, which could foster corrupt practices and compromise the quality of work.
The rates established by the Nagaland Electrical Contractor’s Association for Test Reports/Certificates are not legal and could result in disqualification of the contractor’s license.
4. Importance of Electrical Test Certificates: – An Electrical Test Certificate ensures that a property’s electrical installations—such as wiring, sockets, fuse boxes, MCBs, and panels— adhere to safety standards. This report includes a thorough inspection and testing of the electrical systems to identify potential hazards, defects, and outdated components that might fail. Ensuring safe electrical installations is crucial to preventing electric shocks, accidents, and fires, and is essential for compliance with the IE Act 2003, IR rules, and Supply Code.
5. Separate Smart Meters for Multi-Story Buildings: – In multi-story buildings used for rental purposes, where tenants share one or more electricity bills registered in the owner’s name, they may opt for separate Smart Meters as required. The building owner or tenants must submit an application along with the test certificate from the registered electrical contractor who completed the internal wiring for the modified LT circuit where the new Smart Meters will be installed.
6. Application Processing: – The Division/Sub-Division Office will review the submitted application for completeness and will issue the Smart Meters for free installation. However, the costs associated with service wires, cables, cut-outs, MCBs, etc., conforming to the relevant IS/BIS specifications, will be the responsibility of the intending consumers or must be provided to the Department’s staff during installation.
Meanwhile, the Department has formed a divisional-level inquiry committee to investigate the accusations regarding smart meter installations made against the Department of Power Nagaland (DOPN) by NLTV. The committee is expected to complete its findings and report by Monday, November 10, 2025.
We assure our valued consumers and the public that if any officers or staff within the Department are found guilty of corrupt practices related to smart meter installations, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken by both the Department and the Government.
Additionally, we urge all parties involved to verify information and obtain input from the Department before publishing such stories to prevent the dissemination of incorrect or biased information, which could create confusion among the general public.
(This press release is made in the interest of public information and service.)
