Indore, a city in Madhya Pradesh, India, has a museum dedicated to electricity meters. At the headquarters of Madhya Pradesh West Zone Electricity Distribution Company, visitors can view a collection of meters used to measure electricity in the city since the 1960s. The museum includes a display of electricity meters that were imported from Germany at that time. These machines weighed 4.5 kg and were made primarily of iron. Today, a new generation of smart meters weighing just 250g contains 18 machines, not one, that provides the same services.
The growth of Indore’s electricity system started in the 1960s and 1970s. Before that, electricity was available only in selected places within the city. During that period, the Municipal Corporation of Indore used to torches on the main road, and regular staff was hired to put kerosene in the torches to keep them burning.
As the city grew, the need for an efficient power supply became necessary, and the power company began to import meters from Germany. The machines weighed 4.5 kg, and 99% of them were made of iron. They had a magnet of one kg and were used to measure electricity consumption.
Over time, the technology behind meters evolved, and their physical composition changed. There was a decrease in the amount of iron used in the construction of meters and an increase in other materials like plastic, aluminum, and fibre.
Today, smart meters have become the norm. They weigh a mere 250g each, and with an 18-in-1 size, their technical features have increased immensely. Furthermore, they can perform not only meter reading functions but also calculate load and power factors. With micro-level calculation options, they provide precise energy consumption data.
Visitors to the museum can explore the incredible progression in electricity meter technology, highlighting the significant change to the energy sector across the city. The museum aims to showcase the incredible evolution of energy meter technology while educating the public on the importance of energy conservation and efficiency.
Overall, the museum provides an exciting insight into the history of electricity meters, their evolution, and the critical role they play in measuring Indore’s electricity consumption. Visit the museum and experience this unique exhibition of modern technology and history.
