Energy Department Reviews Smart Metering Progress, Pushes for Enhanced Consumer Engagement

Patna: A meeting was convened in Patna, chaired by Energy Department Secretary and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, Pankaj Kumar Pal, to assess the progress of the state’s smart prepaid metering initiatives. The review focused on advancing the implementation of smart meters and enhancing consumer services across Bihar.

In the meeting, Pal emphasised the importance of accelerating Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts to increase public awareness about the benefits of smart prepaid meters. Senior Managers (Revenue) from all zones were instructed to submit detailed IEC plans for their respective areas. As part of this outreach, pamphlets explaining the use and advantages of smart meters will be distributed at the panchayat level, and officials will visit homes to encourage consumers to download the smart meter app and recharge their meters promptly.

Pal also directed both of Bihar’s electricity distribution companies, the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL), to implement a notification system. Consumers will receive alerts when their smart meter balance drops below the average consumption for seven days, helping to prevent interruptions to electricity supply.

Addressing concerns regarding complaints about smart meters, Pal stated that Junior and Assistant Electrical Engineers would visit consumers’ premises to resolve any issues and ensure a seamless experience.

The meeting was also attended by Mahendra Kumar, Managing Director of SBPDCL, and Dr Nilesh Deore, Managing Director of NBPDCL, along with other senior officials from the energy sector.