The government has taken steps to introduce a ‘Smart Electricity Metre’ to the national grid aimed at improving the technology of power generation, distribution and usage for greater economic gains to the country.

Approval has been obtained for a proposal by Power & Renewable Energy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya for a Rs. 49.2 million joint venture by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the University of Peradeniya to produce and develop a smart electricity metre for the local market.

This smart meter would be useful in the better management of the demand for power while among its services would be the control the performance of air-conditioners with remote controls and also raising public awareness on the voluntary control of their electricity consumption.