Editorial photo #13989353 Economy, Business and Finance

Indian Power Sector - Electric Meter - Electrician Safety In India

Electricity employees connect a house to the power supply while climbing an outdoor tall electric pole and working with wires that connect the electric meter and then the main switch with copper wire, lights, and other switches at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 18, 2026. India has the world's third-largest electricity sector, with over 520 GW of installed capacity. The country is transitioning to smart prepaid meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), causing consumer protests over rising bills and legal challenges. Meter reading workers are also protesting due to concerns about job security, low wages, and potential unemployment from the new technology. Electrician safety in India is often poor due to an informal workforce and inadequate training, leading many workers to lack essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Electrical accidents claim over eighteen thousand lives annually due to arc flash, lethal shocks, and short circuits, primarily due to contact with live wires and violations of safety procedures. India's peak power demand reached 270 GW, with clean energy meeting 50% of midday demand, yet the grid faces evening shortages. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)