Smart metering solutions are gaining traction across the city gas distribution (CGD) segment as they ensure efficiency in data collation of a large consumer base. The existing metering solutions majorly consist of Diaphragm Flow Meters, RPD Meters, Turbine Flow Meters and Ultra Sonic Meters. However, due to a rapidly increasing consumer base, CGD entities are now introducing smart metering solutions such as automatic meter reading (AMR), smart pre-paid gas metering and smart thermal gas meters. The AMR ensures timely collection of readings and eliminates human error as no manual readings are involved. Further, AMR also facilitates per meter measurement of gas consumption. The AMR system can be deployed in for domestic, industrial and commercial segments. The implementation of smart metering solutions also face several issues and challenges such as communication issues, cyber security issues and lack of domestic vendors providing smart meters. All these issues must be addressed in order to ensure widespread deployment of smart metering solutions across the CGD segment.
At a recent conference on IT OT in oil and gas organised by India Infrastructure Publishing, Ravi Kant Arya, Additional General Manager, Indraprastha Gas Limited discussed about upcoming smart metering technologies, future trends and challenges associated with widespread deployment of smart metering solutions.