Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Bihar government has successfully installed 56.03 lakh smart prepaid meters across the state, aiming to enhance electricity services with transparency and accuracy. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav stated that this milestone includes 18 lakh meters in urban areas and 38.03 lakh in rural regions. The initiative began in urban locations and later expanded statewide following its efficient execution.
The installation process was carried out transparently through a tendering process and was reviewed by both the Patna High Court and the Supreme Court, where no irregularities were identified. To ensure quality, only smart prepaid meters adhering to the latest BIS standards (IS15959, IS16444, IS13779) are being installed. The manufacturing process includes routine testing for accuracy, supplemented by sampling and testing as prescribed by BIS. Secretary of the Energy Department and CMD of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, Pankaj Kumar Pal, emphasized efforts to educate the public about the utility of smart prepaid meters through digital mediums, pamphlets, and street plays.
Consumers are experiencing several benefits from the installation of these meters. They enjoy a 3% discount on monthly billing, negligible errors in meter readings, and the ability to monitor daily consumption in real-time. Flexible payment options, such as mobile apps, counters, and the electricity company website, further ease bill payments. Additionally, deposits of ₹2000 or more earn consumers an interest rate almost double that of savings accounts. The outstanding dues and first-time payments have been divided into installments to avoid financial strain on users.
The state is also promoting eco-friendly initiatives through these smart meters. Paper billing has been eliminated, reducing deforestation, while energy misuse has decreased, contributing to environmental balance. Rooftop solar users benefit from not requiring separate net meters, simplifying their processes and cutting costs. Furthermore, during the first six months of installation, no penalties are charged for increased load usage.
The Energy Department highlighted the success of these meters in building consumer confidence and improving energy consumption habits. Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav noted that smart prepaid meters are pivotal to Bihar’s move toward a digital and green energy revolution. Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal commended the transparency and public outreach, expressing confidence that these meters would continue to transform power management across the state. The initiative has not only improved service reliability but also aligned with the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
