Recovering pending bills is perhaps one of the major challenges for power companies, particularly when the dues are from government offices. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has revived its plans to install prepaid electricity meters to tackle this problem.
Delhi and Haryana have already started installing such meters, while the PSPCL has called for expression of interest (EoI) from companies to install 45,000 prepaid meters across the state.
The prepaid meter which is like a conventional meter except an additional feature of computing the bill amount in rupees on the go, and tallying the figure with the money credits of the consumer.
In case the bill amount exceeds the money credits, it disconnects the supply after warnings.
The PSPCL had in 2009, mooted the same plan, but later failed to implement it.
However, PSPCL director for distribution, AK Verma sounds upbeat about the change.
He said the chairman and board of directors had approved the plan: "Now, we will seek permission from the power regulator, as we have to work out the issues related to advance payment." At present, the PSPCL pays interest to those who pay bills in advance.
"Initially, prepaid meters would be installed on temporary connections and government offices, and then gradually in the industrial and domestic sectors," Verma said.
{{/usCountry}}"Initially, prepaid meters would be installed on temporary connections and government offices, and then gradually in the industrial and domestic sectors," Verma said.
{{/usCountry}}