Launch of “Advanced Metering Infrastructure for 5 Million Smart Meters” in India

Ambassador Ziegler launches “Advanced Metering Infrastructure for 5 Million Smart Meters” in India

New Delhi, 14 March 2019

The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, along with Ms Marie-Line Bassette, General Manager - EDF International Networks, and Mr Philippe Monloubou, Chairman - Executive Board of Enedis, launched, at the Residence de France, a smart meters’ deployment project, a collaboration between Energy Efficiency Service Limited (EESL) and EDF International Networks (EDF IN).

EDF IN has been selected by the Indian PSU, EESL, for the design, installation and integration of a network of five million smart meters in India by 2020, primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

This contract has been jointly awarded to EDF IN (95%) in consortium with Accenture Solutions Private Limited (India) (5%), with EDF as the leader. The consortium will deliver a full range of services from meter installation to integration with the existing billing system of electric supply companies, starting with the states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. It will be responsible for the design of data supervisory control and management systems as well as for network operation and maintenance for a period of eight years.

Smart metering results in efficient distribution networks, reduced losses and enabling of the integration of renewable energy. EESL’s innovative approach to smart metering is a boost for the India’s Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

Recalling the strong ties between France and India and their commitment to an energy-efficient future, Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said, “In some weeks from now, EDF International Networks, together with EESL, will start deploying 5 million smart meters in Andhra Pradesh and in Bihar. This is a great achievement not only in terms of the large number of smart meters, but also because this project involves providing essential services to communities, skilling thousands of workers and, of course, optimizing infrastructure and process. In this respect, it is the model of a smart project.” He further added, “French companies, like the EDF group, are increasingly integrating into the Indian business ecosystem. This is another example of how France sees India: not as a market, but as a partner. As a place where we can, invest, manufacture, innovate and develop in the long term.”

This project is an excellent example of French know-how in the field of energy and smart grid management in India, a country that represents one-fifth of the world’s population, to face the challenges of energy transition.

Ms Marianne Laigneau, Group Senior Executive Vice President, in charge of the International Division, EDF, said, “The deployment of 5 million smart meters in India indicates a step change in EDF’s presence in the country. Following on from renewable energy, EDF is now active across the entire value chain of electricity. We are acting on the main drivers of India’s energy transition under a comprehensive plan to reduce CO2 emissions. EDF is thus pursuing its ambition for a fivefold increase in its activities outside Europe, as per the EDF strategy CAP 2030.”

This new partnership will contribute to France and India’s shared goals of the conservation of natural resources and transition to low-carbon economies. The two countries have already demonstrated their commitment to tackling global issues through their involvement in implementing the Paris Agreement as well as in co-founding the International Solar Alliance.

EDF Group

EDF International Networks has been selected by the Indian state-owned company EESL (Energy Efficiency Service Limited) for the design, installation and integration of a network of five million smart meters in India, mainly in the states Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

In France, the EDF Group – via its subsidiary Enedis – has already installed more than 17 million smart meters. The target is to install 35 million meters across the country by 2021. EDF will use this experience and technical knowhow to fulfil this contract and open new opportunities in India.