Smart meter installed in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Minister pledges to establish meters in all islands

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim declared last night that all islands in the Maldives will begin utilizing smart meter services within the upcoming three years.

He made the remarks while at a ceremony held in Dhaalu atoll Kudahuvadhoo to commemorate the conclusion of the smart meter installation project commenced in the island to resolve the issue of rising electricity bills. Contracted to Chinese company, Dongfang Electric Corporation, the project - which aims to establishing smart meters in all households - began its pilot program and established the first meter at Kudahuvadhoo, marking the first instance of device installation and electricity issuance to all homes in a local island.

At the ceremony, Minister Thoriq highlighted that the project is a revolutionary advancement to the Maldivian energy sector and ensured all local homes and businesses will be equipped with smart meter services in three years.

A special app allowing easy navigation of the smart meter service was also introduced during the ceremony. Peak usage timings in addition to hourly and daily usage can also be monitored through the smart meter, explained the Minister, emphasizing that electrical leaks can also be identified through the device.

"Meaning, this is a huge step towards economizing energy. This will also allow electricity leakages to be identified," he said.

Emphasizing that smart meters installation is a top priority for the government, Minister Thoriq added that concluding the project in all islands that seek utility services from State Trading Organization (STO) and Fenaka Corporation Limited is a prime target.

He also asserted no work to improve the nation's energy sector was proceeded over the last five years and said that, in contrast, the annual demand for electricity had increased by 10 percent.

Fenaka Chief Technical Officer, Abdulla Nashith meanwhile stated that the project is distributed across separate stages. He ensured to begin efforts to establish the device in all islands the company provides services in within the span of a year.

Nashith also revealed that the meters installed in Kudahuvadhoo are the same devices used in other countries.

Each hot season (northeast monsoon) which typically lasts from January till March, multiple concerns are lodged on rising rates charged for electricity. Fenaka assured this problem will also be addressed with the launch of these smart meter devices.