Introduction: Powering a smarter future

The power distribution sector is undergoing a seismic transformation driven by the dual imperatives of improving operational efficiency and enhancing consumer engagement. One of the most pivotal shifts in this landscape is the adoption of smart metering systems. Traditional meters — manual, inefficient, and often inaccurate — are rapidly being replaced by intelligent, connected devices that enable real-time monitoring, billing, and load management.

India’s National Smart Metering Program, initiated by the Ministry of Power (MoP), envisions a complete overhaul of legacy metering systems to usher in transparency, better revenue realisation, and proactive energy management. At the forefront of this revolution is Secure, a trusted name delivering high-performance smart meters like the Liberty 200 (single-phase), Liberty 500 (three-phase), and Premier 551 (LT CT) to utilities and consumers across the country.

What is smart metering?

Smart metering refers to the use of electronic meters with advanced communication capabilities that record electricity consumption in real time and securely transmit this data to utilities. These meters not only measure energy usage but also support features like:

• two-way communication between the meter and utility,
• time-of-day (ToD) tariff management,
• remote meter reading and configuration,
• integration with billing systems,
• instant alerts for tampering or outages.

This forms part of a broader Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which includes:

• smart meters at consumer’s premises,
• communication network (NB-IoT, RF, and PLC),
• Head End System (HES) for meter data collection,
• Meter Data Management (MDM) for data analysis and billing integration.

Why the shift to smart prepayment meters?

Among the various models of smart metering, prepayment meters are gaining significant traction, especially in markets like India, Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. These meters allow consumers to pay for electricity before they consume it — similar to prepaid mobile recharges.

Key benefits of prepayment smart meters

1. Improved collection efficiency: Consumers pay upfront, eliminating the risk of non-payment and reducing the utility’s receivables.
2. Consumer empowerment: Through mobile apps or web portals, consumers can monitor usage, check balance, and recharge instantly.
3. Reduced technical and commercial losses: Automated tamper alerts, real-time monitoring, and remote connect / disconnect functions help curb theft and meter bypass.
4. Customised tariff management: Slab-based or time-of-use tariffs can be implemented to manage peak load demands.
5. Lower operational costs: No need for manual meter reading or billing, reducing field manpower and human errors.

Secure’s smart metering portfolio

Secure offers a robust suite of smart meters designed for reliability, security, and scalability. Here’s a detailed look at the key offerings.

1. Liberty 200 – Single-phase smart prepayment meter
   Ideal for residential consumers, the Liberty 200 is compact yet feature-rich.
2. Liberty 500 – Three-phase smart prepayment meter
   Targeted at higher-load consumers, such as small businesses and urban households, the Liberty 500 provides three-phase connectivity and greater current handling. 
3. Premier 551 – LT CT smart meter
   Designed for commercial and industrial users, Premier 551 is a Low Tension Current Transformer (LT CT) meter offering unparalleled accuracy and tamper resistance.

System architecture and AMI Integration

Secure’s smart meters are built to integrate seamlessly into a utility’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) ecosystem.

System components

1. Metering layer: Smart meters (Liberty 200, Liberty 500, and Premier 551) at consumer’s premises.
2. Communication layer: NB-IoT for two-way communication.
3. Head-End System (HES): Manages remote meter communication, firmware upgrades, and data validation.
4. Meter Data Management (MDM): A centralised system that processes billing data, load profiles, and consumer insights.

Interoperability: Secure provides standard interface documents and APIs to ensure smooth integration with third-party billing systems and payment gateways.

Remote capabilities include:

• meter reading (scheduled and on-demand),
• tariff update,
• load limiting and remote disconnect,
• tamper alerts and diagnostics,
• over-the-air firmware upgrades.

Communication infrastructure

The choice of communication technology is critical. Secure leverage NB-IoT — a cellular-based LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology that offers

• better indoor coverage,
• low power consumption (long battery life for auxiliary modules),
• high connection density (supporting millions of devices),
• secure and encrypted communication.

In areas where NB-IoT is unavailable, the system falls back to GPRS, ensuring continuity of service.

Smart metering for stakeholders: What’s in it for utilities, consumers, and policymakers?

For utilities

• Increased revenue realisation through prepayment
• Real-time analytics for better grid management
• Lower O&M costs with reduced site visits
• Better outage management and faster complaint resolution

For consumers

• Greater control over electricity usage and spending
• Transparent billing and no shock bills
• Recharge options via mobile apps, payment portals, or retail outlets
• Alerts for low credit and consumption trends

For policymakers:

• Increased transparency in subsidy management
• Enabler of DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes
• Data-driven policymaking for power reforms
• Improved overall financial health of DisComs

Why choose Secure?

1. Proven field experience: Deployed across multiple states in India and global markets in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
2. End-to-end solutions: From metering hardware to communication, integration, and after-sales AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) — all under one roof.
3. Regulatory compliance: Adheres to IS 16444, IEC62052, and other global standards.
4. Customisation and scalability: Meters by Secure are configurable to work in both credit and prepayment modes based on the utility’s roadmap.
5. Sustainability focus: Reduces carbon footprint by promoting responsible energy use and reducing physical visits for meter reading or disconnection.

The road ahead

Smart metering isn’t just a technological upgrade — it’s a transformational shift in how energy is measured, billed, and consumed. By embracing smart meters like Liberty 200, Liberty 500, and Premier 551, utilities can not only improve their operational efficiencies but also deliver superior value to their consumers. With robust architecture, future-ready communication, and seamless integration capabilities, Secure enables utilities to lead the charge in this energy transition.

As India and other emerging economies modernise their power infrastructure, smart metering will be the cornerstone of a more sustainable, transparent, and consumer-centric electricity ecosystem.