From next year pay electricity bills via smart meters with prepaid mode

The step is likely to bring revolution in the power sector by way of reduction in AT&C losses. Ministry of Power has decided to make all meters smart prepaid in 3 years from 1st April 2019.

Better health of DISCOMs, incentivisation of energy conservation, ease of bill payments and doing away with the paper bills. Move towards smart meters is a pro-poor step as consumers need not to pay the whole month’s bill in one go, instead, they can pay as per their requirements. Manufacturing of smart prepaid meters will also generate skilled employment for the youth.

The appropriate Commission in exceptional circumstances for the reasons to be recorded in writing may grant extension in this time period. It may be recalled that the State Governments had earlier signed the Power for All document and had agreed to supply 24*7 power supply to their consumers.

The Government of India is trying the entire necessary sector to be digitalised. So they emphasise on an easier way to implement in the daily life of a common man.