Discom to install prepaid metres to fix bill defaulters

Kothagudem: Vexed with non-recovery of dues, the Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (NPDCL) has decided to fix prepaid metres to various industries either in the last week of August or in the first week of September.

In Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, there are 2,72,987 low-tension connections, 1,396 high-tension connections, 25,990 commercial power connections and 5,911 other connections.

So far, electricity bills are being generated taking readings from electricity metres. As a result, under this system, recovery of dues from the consumers has become a Herculean task for the electricity staff. In order to fix the issue, the company has decided to go for prepaid metres.

In the first phase, the prepaid meters would be fixed to public sector undertakings. Under Bhadrachalam Electricity Revenue Office, there are over 1,023 PSUs. Under Kothagudem ERO limits, there are 483 PSU connections followed by 174 under Illandu limits. Talking to The Hans India, District Superintending Engineer Surendra said that the process to install the prepaid meters would be commenced soon.

It may be noted that the dues of power bills from government offices and PSUs run into several crores of rupees and their recovery has become a headache for the NPDC. If power is disconnected for forfeiture of payment of power bills, the consumer brings pressure on the Electricity department officials to restore the power supply.

Prior to installation of the prepaid metres, the defaulter has to clear the power bill dues. The prepaid metres would also check wastage of power. The power consumers should estimate their monthly power consumption and pay the bill in advance.

If the power consumption is more than the amount paid, the prepaid metre will alert the people who have to recharge the metre.