Kerala power minister adopts alternative smart metre model

29 Aug 2023 CW Team

Power Minister K Krishnankutty confirmed on Sunday that there was no disagreement with the Chief Minister over the smart meter project. He stated that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had been directed to formulate an alternative smart meter solution, rejecting the TOTEX model that had been collectively dismissed by the Left government in a political context.

Krishnankutty also reached out to the Union Energy Minister, seeking a three-month extension for the smart meter project's implementation. The decision to move away from the TOTEX model was made during a high-level meeting between Krishnankutty and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, prompted by a directive from the CPM Politburo.

The Power Minister revealed that KSEB is working towards introducing the alternative smart meter model within the next three months. Simultaneously, the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers expressed approval of the state government's decision to abandon the TOTEX model.

Technology

14 May 2025

HCL-Foxconn to invest Rs 37 billion in chip plant near Jewar airport

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new semiconductor unit near Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh under the India Semiconductor Mission. This sixth plant, a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, marks further progress in India鈥檚 semiconductor journey. The project will see an investment of Rs 37 billion.The facility will produce display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and other digital devices. It is designed for a monthly capacity of 20,000 wafers and an output of 36 million units.Five semiconductor units are already in advanced stages of constructi..

Real Estate

14 May 2025

Brigade acquires Velachery land for Rs 16-billion project

Brigade Enterprises has acquired a 5.41-acre land parcel on Velachery Road, Chennai, through an outright purchase for Rs 4.417 billion. Located next to Phoenix Market City, the site will be developed into a premium residential project with a gross development value of approximately Rs 16 billion and a development potential of 0.8 million square feet.The project offers strategic access to both the OMR IT Corridor and Chennai鈥檚 Central Business District, promising strong connectivity and premium lifestyle offerings. Brigade plans to create signature residences focused on aesthetics, functional..

Equipment

14 May 2025

Liebherr marks 10,000th XPower wheel loader milestone

Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen has rolled out its 10,000th XPower wheel loader, marking a major production milestone. The anniversary L 580 XPower model, featuring a power-split travel drive developed with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, was handed over to the BERGER Group in Passau.鈥淭he transmission from our partner ZF is a key component of the drivetrain in our XPower wheel loaders,鈥� said Gerhard Pirnbacher, Head of Quality Management at Liebherr. 鈥淲ith an impressive total of around 64 million operating hours already clocked up by XPower models, this transmission has proven its exceptional robustn..