IntelliSmart looks to enter gas distribution metering segment

Smart metering and digital solutions company IntelliSmart Infrastructure is looking to enter the gas distribution metering segment.The joint venture of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd expects tenders to be floated for at least 50,000 gas smart meters this fiscal year, CEO and MD Anil Rawal told ET.

The company has been engaged in the power sector but having completed its pilot project for metering in gas distribution in Assam, it plans to participate in other upcoming tenders in the segment.

“My view is in this financial year there will be tendering of at least 50,000 smart meters on gas, and next year, you will see more numbers,” Rawal said.

Gas metering is a huge opportunity for the company, Rawal said, adding that while maintaining meters is more costly in the household segment, removing human intervention will save a lot of money for a utility. Aspects like auto-tripping with smart meters helps consumers in managing their gas consumption, he added.

Rawal said IntelliSmart has been looking to diversify its portfolio. It is currently doing billing systems and will be exploring opportunities in command centres for power distribution companies. The company has already bid to create a command centre in Gujarat. A command centre is set up when there are multiple assets, which need to be centrally monitored.In terms of revenue, the company is targeting 70% from smart meters and the rest from other segments in the next three years.

“Target is for Rs 10,000 crore of assets beyond smart metering in the next three years. We are focussed on diversification and to leverage our technology strength,” Rawal said.

The company currently has an order book of 22.4 million smart meters worth $2.64 billion and expects to continue to keep its 30% market share in the future with focus on large projects.

The PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana has given a much-needed push to the smart metering segment, Rawal said, adding that a mission mode for overall adoption in the country was needed.

While smart metering is good for arresting losses, the data can be significant in demand-side management by distribution companies and peer-to-peer sale of electricity.

Data from smart meters is a good business proposition but not many states have shown interest in it because of fear of data misuse and breach of data privacy, Rawal said.