Measure to prevent non-payment for theft of electric power - Prepaid meters!
Posted on: 09/Nov/2019 12:15:04 PM
Prepaid electric energy consumption meters are to be installed throughout Tamil Nadu.
This sensational decision was taken by the state government of Tamil Nadu in order to prevent and stop the non-payment of EB bills.
In the 1st Phase of this plan, TANGEDCO has planned to install the ‘pre-paid’ electric energy meters in industrial factories and plants and follow-up with efforts for the collection of payments for the consumption of electricity.
As per the current system in practice in the state of Tamil Nadu, the electricity consumption reading from the meters is taken once in 2 months. The payment for the consumption bill has to be paid within 20 days of bill receipt. In case of failure, the electricity connection will be cut off.
Subsequently, when the payment is made along with the penalty, the electricity connection will be restored.
All the private sector institutions and domestic residents generally pay the due bills on time.
In order to prevent the maloperations currently in practice with the theft/non-payment for electrical energy, the central government has ordered the installation of ‘prepaid’ electric energy meters which would not require staff to take readings and further, electric supply will be given only for the payment made.
A software feature will be installed in the prepaid meter which would allow only the specified extent of power to be used. Once the consumption exceeds this preset limit, the power connection will be cut automatically.
Then, payment will have to be made for the restoration of electricity connection!
In this regard, the Tamil Nadu state government minister for electricity, Thangamani, shared with the press yesterday (Friday, 8th November):
‘Reviews are under progress regarding the installation of prepaid meters. Action for installation of prepaid meters will be commenced shortly.’
