Patna: Bihar’s two power distribution companies, South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL), have received the ‘Smart Metering DISCOM of the Year’ award at the Bharat Electricity Powering India Awards 2026.
The award was presented on Tuesday at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi, in recognition of the two DISCOMs’ work in expanding smart metering, using technology-driven services and improving consumer facilities.
Vishal Raj (IAS), Managing Director of Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL), received the award from Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy.
Focus On Smart Metering
According to the state government, the expansion of smart metering has improved transparency in electricity distribution and enabled consumers to monitor and manage their electricity consumption more effectively.
Smart meters provide consumers with regular information about electricity usage, while the digitisation of meter reading and billing has streamlined processes and improved transparency in consumer services.
The initiative is part of efforts to modernise Bihar’s electricity distribution system and make services more technology-driven and consumer-focused.
Officials Welcome National Recognition
Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, also known as Bulo Mandal, said the recognition of both state DISCOMs was a matter of pride for Bihar.
He said smart metering had strengthened transparency in the power distribution system and helped consumers manage their electricity consumption. He also congratulated the officers and employees of SBPDCL and NBPDCL.
Ajay Yadav (IAS), Energy Secretary and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), described the award as an important milestone in the modernisation of Bihar’s power distribution system.
Yadav said technology-based electricity services were being strengthened to provide consumers with more transparent and efficient services. He added that the expansion of smart metering had improved access to information on electricity supply and consumption.
