Prepaid meters to be installed in hutments soon
MEERUT: With the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) clearing the tariff issue applicable for prepaid electricity meters, the Pashimanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL), it is all set to begin the installation of these meters. Though the meters will cost six times more than the conventional ones, it will help the corporation minimize losses. In the first phase, hutments (jhuggis) and government colonies will be targeted. Besides, no permanent connections will now be issued to these hutments as dwellers have no proof about ownership of property.
Discussing the issue, V V Pant, managing director, PVVNL, said, “Hutments and temporary shops will be given temporary connections only and prepaid meters will be installed. Besides, to encourage people to have such connections, a discount of 1.25% in normal tariff rates will be provided in the form of subsidy. These rates were recently finalized by the Power Regulatory Commission in Lucknow.”
Alok Kumar Verma, director commercial, PVVNL, further said, “If you conduct a survey, you will find that a majority of hutments have pendency in electricity bills. Similarly, the power corporation has to bear losses when an official, who is staying in a government accommodation, gets transferred and moves out without clearing bills. With prepaid meters, we can address this issue.” The official further said the scheme will be launched in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida in a month’s time. In Meerut, the control room has been designated at the corporation’s Mangal Pandey Nagar establishment. Nearly 2,250 meters will be installed in the first phase. Stating that the system would be a boon for consumers in the long run, Verma said, “People won’t have to stand in queues at power stations to pay bills. Besides, we will be absolved of the responsibility to procure readings of conventional meters. Also, the consumer will be able to keep a tab on the household consumption.” Currently, the PVVNL is in the process of installing vending stations where recharges can be carried out. Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.
Discussing the issue, V V Pant, managing director, PVVNL, said, “Hutments and temporary shops will be given temporary connections only and prepaid meters will be installed. Besides, to encourage people to have such connections, a discount of 1.25% in normal tariff rates will be provided in the form of subsidy. These rates were recently finalized by the Power Regulatory Commission in Lucknow.”
Alok Kumar Verma, director commercial, PVVNL, further said, “If you conduct a survey, you will find that a majority of hutments have pendency in electricity bills. Similarly, the power corporation has to bear losses when an official, who is staying in a government accommodation, gets transferred and moves out without clearing bills. With prepaid meters, we can address this issue.” The official further said the scheme will be launched in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida in a month’s time. In Meerut, the control room has been designated at the corporation’s Mangal Pandey Nagar establishment. Nearly 2,250 meters will be installed in the first phase. Stating that the system would be a boon for consumers in the long run, Verma said, “People won’t have to stand in queues at power stations to pay bills. Besides, we will be absolved of the responsibility to procure readings of conventional meters. Also, the consumer will be able to keep a tab on the household consumption.” Currently, the PVVNL is in the process of installing vending stations where recharges can be carried out. Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.
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