A smart meter is a digital device installed at the consumer’s premises that records electricity usage in real time, automatically transmits data to the utility, enables remote connection and disconnection, and supports both prepaid and postpaid billing.

It works through an integrated ecosystem comprising hardware (smart meters, communication modules, and secure data transmission systems), software platforms for DISCOMs to manage billing, monitoring, load control and loss reduction, and a consumer app that allows them to track consumption, view bills, monitor balance, and manage usage.

The process is seamless - usage is recorded, transmitted to a central system, processed for billing and analytics, and made accessible to both consumers and utilities in real time.