Tamil NaduThursday, 13 August 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Tamil Nadu to cancel old smart meter tender and float fresh bids for 56 lakh domestic and 50 lakh commercial meters
Tamil Nadu plans a fresh tender for 56 lakh domestic smart meters and 50 lakh commercial/industrial meters after cancelling the earlier 3 crore-meter tender.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, Tamil Nadu electricity authorities said a fresh tender would be floated for 56 lakh domestic smart meters and 50 lakh commercial and industrial smart meters, after cancelling the earlier 3-crore-meter tender.
Key specifics
- The earlier tender for 3 crore smart meters was cancelled.
- A new tender is planned for 56 lakh domestic connections.
- Another 50 lakh smart meters are planned for industrial and commercial connections.
- The first phase is proposed in Chennai, including areas where 1 lakh smart meters were already installed in T. Nagar.
- The Centre gives ₹900 per smart meter, while the market price is said to be around ₹6,000.
Exam lens
TNPSC economy and governance question: smart meters, 56 lakh, 50 lakh, ₹900 central support, ₹6,000 market price, Chennai pilot; remember the cancellation of the 3-crore tender.