CM Reviews Energy Department, Highlights Smart Pre-Paid Meter Progress

Chirag Gupta

Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a high-level review of the Energy Department at ‘Sankalp’ located at 1 Anne Marg, where he received updates on the progress of smart pre-paid meters and provided essential guidance to officials.

During the review, Energy Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal presented the current status of various projects, including the installation of smart pre-paid meters across the state. He informed that a total of 50.23 lakh smart pre-paid meters have been installed, with 17.47 lakh in urban areas and 32.76 lakh in rural regions. The remaining installations are expected to be completed by 2025. Pal also noted that consumers benefit from a 3 percent financial incentive on meter recharges, alongside a state subsidy of Rs 15,343 crore on electricity consumption.

The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to providing affordable, uninterrupted electricity to every household, a goal achieved in 2018. He stressed the importance of addressing any complaints from consumers swiftly and highlighted the advantages of smart pre-paid meters in promoting energy conservation and simplifying bill payments. The Chief Minister urged officials to address any technical issues with the meters immediately.

Kumar also reflected on the state’s electricity situation before 2005, criticizing previous administrations for their poor handling of the sector. He reassured the public that the state government’s efforts have transformed the electricity infrastructure, fulfilling the promises made during his 2012 Independence Day speech to provide electricity to all households before the 2015 assembly elections.

To further raise awareness, the Chief Minister directed district magistrates to inform the public about the benefits of smart pre-paid meters, countering any misinformation being spread. He also noted the government’s push for solar energy, with solar panels installed on all government buildings and solar street lights in villages to ensure adequate lighting at night.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and other senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Energy Department engineers, were present at the review meeting.