Plans are afoot to install prepaid electricity meters in the city, a move that would help the consumers get the opportunity to recharge their electricity coupons as per the need and use of electricity. Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission has given directives to start this programme in Haridwar. Very soon the UPCl will get a survey done in the city to list the number of users following which the process of installation of meters will start.
After the installation of the electricity meters, electricity will be supplied by getting recharge coupon. The minimal charges of electricity coupon have been fixed at Rs 100 while the maximum limit is yet to be decided. The consumers with capacity upto 25 kilowatts will be able to avail the benefit of recharge coupons. It is further learnt that the common users can change their electricity connection to pre-paid system. No amount by way of security would be charged for this. But the installation charges and meter cost would be charged from the user which would be reimbursed after permanent installation. For the financial year 2016-17, single phase users would be required to pay Rs 5000 as security while the amount for the three phase users is Rs 10,000.
The pre-paid meter will also raise an alarm when the balance is reduced beyond certain limit. Speaking to The Pioneer, executive engineer Electricity Distribution Block, Haridwar, B S Pawar said, “The installation of pre-paid meters would start this week. There is a provision for discount facility on pre-paid meters. Very soon the application forms for the same would be made available.” The meter readers who go in houses in their designated localities would be given the responsibility of distribution of forms, said Pawar. Also if the electricity coupon charge gets exhausted on non- working days and holidays, the supply would be resumed and they can get recharged for the next period.