Bhagalpur: Electricity consumers in Bihar using prepaid smart meters have been given major relief with the introduction of a new emergency power facility. Under this system, people will no longer face sudden power cuts if their smart meter balance becomes zero or negative and they are unable to recharge immediately. Instead, electricity can continue for up to 72 hours, giving households time to arrange a recharge without stress or inconvenience.
The facility has been designed especially for emergency situations. It can be used even if the smart meter balance has been negative for up to seven days. However, the benefit is limited to once a month for each consumer. Officials say this rule ensures that the system is used responsibly and only when genuinely needed. According to Pranav Mishra, assistant engineer of the electricity sub-division, the aim is to provide temporary relief so that people do not suffer due to minor delays, technical issues, or unexpected financial difficulties.
Using the facility is simple and does not require any technical knowledge. Each smart meter has a large black button installed on it. As explained by Pankaj Kumar, executive engineer of the Mojahidpur electricity division, consumers only need to press and hold this black button continuously for about 30 seconds. After this, the meter becomes active and electricity supply is restored for the next 72 hours, even without recharging the balance immediately.
The relief measure comes at a time when the installation of smart meters is still incomplete across many parts of the state. In urban areas, around 1.31 lakh smart meters have been installed out of 1.80 lakh consumers, while in rural areas, 1.18 lakh meters have been installed for 2.63 lakh consumers. Several electricity sub-divisions, including Tilkamanjhi, Mojahidpur, Nathnagar, Sultanganj, Aliganj, Kahalgaon and Vikramshila, are still awaiting full coverage.
The responsibility for installing smart meters lies with Genus Power Infrastructure Private Limited. Officials admit that progress has been slow due to protests in the early stages and the company’s sluggish work pace. As a result, nearly 49,000 meters in urban areas and about 1.45 lakh meters in rural areas are yet to be installed. Even so, the electricity department believes the new 72-hour relief system will make life easier for consumers and reduce fear and frustration linked to prepaid smart meters, especially during emergencies.
