By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: There are numerous misconceptions among the people of Bihar regarding smart prepaid meters, with political parties even labelling them as “smart cheaters.” In an effort to dispel these misunderstandings, Patna District Magistrate (DM), Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, convened a meeting to discuss power supply issues, smart prepaid meters, and dedicated feeders for technical institutions. Following the meeting, he clarified that smart meters offer a robust and transparent system, allowing consumers to monitor their electricity consumption and related details independently. He also provided guidance on what consumers should do if their smart meter recharge runs out.
Dr Singh reassured the public that electricity will not be immediately disconnected once the smart meter recharge is depleted. Consumers will receive a notification seven days prior, giving them ample time to recharge. Additionally, there will be no power cuts during the night or on holidays. If consumers are unable to recharge within this window, they can restore the power supply for three days by pressing a push button on the smart meter for 20 seconds. This facility will be available once a month.
Furthermore, in the event that a consumer’s electricity load increases, no penalty will be imposed for the next six months. Consumers will receive a notification about the increased load and can adjust it through the app at their convenience. To further assist with any issues, the DM announced that “Bijli Samvad” sessions will be held in every block, where public representatives and officials will provide detailed information about smart meters and address concerns on the spot.
Dr Singh also stated that out of 1,244 government offices in the district, 461 will have smart meters installed by 31st October 2024. Of the 11.92 lakh consumers in the district, smart meters have already been installed in the homes of 6.78 lakh consumers—5.82 lakh in urban areas and 95,865 in rural areas. The DM directed all Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) to hold meetings with electrical engineers at the subdivision and block levels within a week. Officials including Vikas Mitra, Panchayat Secretaries, and other block and subdivision employees will participate to resolve any issues and share information related to smart meters.
This initiative aims to improve public understanding of smart prepaid meters and ensure a seamless transition to the new system.
