Bihar Wins Gold Award for Smart Prepaid Metering at ET Government Digitech Awards

Patna: Bihar has been recognised for its leadership in smart prepaid metering, winning the Gold Award at the ET Government Digitech Awards 2025, organised by The Economic Times in New Delhi.

The state’s initiative, Bihar: Proud Torch Bearer of Universal Smart Prepaid Metering for the Nation, was awarded in the Digital Transformation Leader in Public Sector category. The recognition highlights Bihar’s pioneering efforts in implementing smart metering technology, a move that has transformed energy management and billing transparency across the state. The award was received by Pankaj Kumar Pal, Secretary of the Energy Department and CMD of the Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL).

Pal said the initiative was designed to empower consumers, streamline the billing process, and improve energy efficiency. “The success of smart prepaid metering in Bihar is a result of extensive public engagement and awareness campaigns,” he said. “We ensured that consumers understood the benefits of smart meters and were motivated to adopt them.”

Awareness and Implementation

The government’s outreach included installing check meters in rural areas, allowing residents to verify that digital and smart meters recorded identical readings. Smart meters were also installed in government buildings, while pamphlets, mobile vans, and awareness drives in schools and colleges helped educate the public. Women associated with JEEViKA, Bihar’s self-help group network, conducted door-to-door campaigns in villages to familiarise households with smart meters. Information stalls were set up at cultural events and fairs, where people also received guidance on avoiding cyber fraud.

To reinforce the message, power distribution companies employed street plays, digital platforms, and consumer dialogue campaigns. “Smart meters not only eliminate billing errors but also help consumers manage energy use and control costs,” Pal said. The initiative has positioned Bihar as a frontrunner in smart metering adoption, with other states now looking to replicate its model.

A Visionary Move

Pal credited Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, and Energy Minister, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, for their vision and commitment to the initiative. The project was first piloted in Gaya district in 2019 to address billing inaccuracies and improve transparency. Its success led to a state-wide rollout, benefiting millions of consumers.

Representatives from other states have visited Bihar to study its smart metering implementation and engage with both consumers and engineers. The Union Ministry of Energy has also acknowledged Bihar’s efforts in driving smart meter adoption.

Pal expressed gratitude to the teams at NBPDCL and SBPDCL, metering agencies, and the state’s electricity consumers for contributing to the success of the initiative. “This award belongs to every individual who made this ambitious project a reality,” he said.