IS 16444 - What the Grid-Side Metering Standard Means for Builders

The government's AMI rollout has brought IS 16444 into conversation among builders and MEP consultants. Before making specification decisions based on this standard, understand what it actually covers.

What IS 16444 Covers

IS 16444 is the standard for meters at the grid interface - the DISCOM's meter at your building's main incoming feeder. These are owned and managed by the DISCOM. IS 16444 meters are single-source (grid only) and cannot measure DG consumption.

What This Means for Builder Specifications

The correct standard to specify for sub-meters inside a building is IS:13779 (2020). If a vendor offers IS 16444 certified sub-meters for inside-building use, that is a red flag - IS 16444 does not apply at the sub-metering layer. Contact Roopsikha at roopsikha@pesonline.co.in for metering specification support.