How IoT Connectivity Is Powering The Future Of Smart Metering

 

In an exclusive interaction with Surabhi, Correspondent at Asia Business Outlook, Sachin Arora, Head of Telecom and IoT Connectivity for India and neighboring regions at Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), shares how next-gen technologies like 5G, LPWAN, and NB-IoT are accelerating India’s transition to a smart metering ecosystem. He explains how real-time data, secure connectivity, and embedded SIM technologies are key to enabling “energy-as-a-service” models and driving the country’s sustainability and digital infrastructure goals. 

How are advancements like 5G, LPWAN, and NB-IoT transforming smart metering in India? 

Technologies such as 5G, LPWAN, and NB-IoT are revolutionizing smart metering in India in a major way by providing reliable, real-time, and scalable connectivity. These technologies provide uncomplicated data transmission, which is inevitable for correct energy monitoring and management. 5G provides ultra-low latency and high bandwidth and is therefore well-suited for immediate communication in urban environments.  

Meanwhile, NB-IoT and LPWAN offer deep penetration and low power, which is ideal for remote and rural installations. Government initiatives such as the RDSS, with its goal of 250 million smart meter installations, demand strong network infrastructure. The technologies assist utilities in cutting down on power theft, enhancing billing accuracy, and improving outage detection. Overall, they are leading to higher efficiency, transparency, and intelligence in India's energy distribution grid. 

What role does real-time consumption data play in demand management? 

Real-time usage data is essential for efficient demand management as it allows both consumers and utilities to make apt decisions. It supports dynamic pricing and demand response programs in utilities, balancing load at peak periods and preventing stress on the grid. Real-time, precise data enhances the accuracy of billing and reduces technical and commercial losses. It also aids in more accurate forecasting and planning for seasonal or unforeseen variations in energy demand.  

For consumers, real-time insight into their consumption behavior gives them the power to maximize consumption and minimize costs. It makes it possible to access prepaid or adaptive tariff plans that are customized to individual usage patterns. Transparency generates trust and enhances energy-efficient behavior. As a whole, real-time information turns energy management into a more dynamic, efficient, and consumer-centric system. 

Also Read: Embedded Internet of Things: Leveraging AI and Connectivity to Drive Digital Transformation

Can IoT-enabled insights also support sustainability goals? 

Indeed, IoT-facilitated insights are centrally important to the promotion of sustainability objectives throughout the energy industry. Smart meters do away with manual readings, minimizing fuel consumption and carbon emissions that come with on-site visits.  

As embedded SIMs (eSIMs) and upcoming integrated SIMs (iSIMs) usage takes shape, connectivity is controlled digitally, lessening the carbon burden further by reducing plastic SIM card manufacturing and disposal. These technologies optimize operations and reduce electronic waste. At the consumer level, availability of real-time energy information promotes more mindful and energy-efficient behavior. Through the detection of high-use times or energy-wasting appliances, consumers can decide to cut down on their usage. This reduction not only reduces individual energy costs but cumulatively, emissions. In the end, IoT smart metering empowers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. 

How is India addressing data privacy and security in IoT-enabled metering? 

India is aggressively taking data security and privacy in IoT-based metering through robust regulatory and technological controls. The government compels all consumer data to be stored within the country, as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, to make way for data localization regulations. At the device level, organizations such as G+D use tamper-resistant eSIMs and abide by GSMA-prescribed encryption mechanisms to protect data transport. This maintains that meter data flows securely from the device to utility servers without third-party risk exposure.  

Secure-by-design hardware and end-to-end encrypted communication channels reduce vulnerabilities throughout the network. Secure remote provisioning and lifecycle management of eSIMs add additional layers of protection as well. These work together to form a secure and privacy-oriented infrastructure for smart metering. 

Also Read: How eSIM Technology Simplifies IoT Device Management

What lessons can India learn from global adopters of smart metering? 

India could learn lessons from international early adopters of smart metering, especially in terms of scalability with minimal human intervention. Successful deployment countries have utilized technologies such as eSIMs to facilitate remote provisioning, over-the-air updates, and secure connectivity management. This eliminates the requirement for physical SIM replacements that can be logistically challenging, particularly in geographically dispersed or remote regions. With India's gigantic scale of planned roll-out, 250 million meters over varied geographies automation and remote manageability are imperative. World best practices also suggest focusing on interoperability, strong data security, and consumer participation. India can enhance deployment speed, reduce operational expenditures, and drive a more seamless shift to a smart and connected energy system by embracing these time-tested approaches. 

Do you see IoT connectivity as the foundation for future “energy-as-a-service” models? 

Prepaid energy schemes facilitated by smart meters are already paving the way. Similar to SaaS or data-as-a-service, energy-as-a-service will provide consumers with choice and ensure utilities with certain revenue streams. IoT connectivity is at the heart of making this happen. Technologies such as eSIMs enable remote provisioning, real-time data transmission, and over-the-air updates, which minimize manual intervention and physical maintenance imperative for scale. With IoT, utilities can monitor remotely, optimize distribution, and automate billing more efficiently. Connectivity also enables enhanced capabilities such as dynamic pricing, demand response, and predictive analytics. With energy evolving toward a more decentralized and digital model, strong, secure, and scalable IoT infrastructure will be the foundation of a successful energy-as-a-service platform.