Nizamabad: Pre-paid meters in government offices
Out of total 1,200 about 660 meters were set up in Nizamabad district.
NIZAMABAD: For the first time, Telangana State Northern Power Distribution Company Limited is setting up pre-paid electricity meters in government offices. To prevent wastage of power and minimise the bills, the power company has introduced pre-paid meters using the latest technology.
Around 20,244 pre-paid meters have been supplied for composite Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad and Khammam districts. TSNPDCL has 2,960.45 crore electricity bill arrears lying with various government departments in 18 districts.
Minor Grama Panchayats have to pay electricity charges of Rs 789.59 crore, major Grama Panchayats have to pay Rs 271.47 crore, Municipalities-Rs 115.15 crore and Irrigation and Command Area Development has to pay Rs 342.58 crore to the TSNPDCL.
In this context, the power company has decided to set up pre-paid electricity meters to avoid the arrears of electricity charges. For instance, in Nizamabad district, 1,200 pre-paid meters will be set up in various government departments. The staff had already set up around 660 pre-paid meters in the district so far. They are moving ahead to complete the target.
After installation of prepaid meters, the government should pay in advance for the electricity charges. It would bring control on usage of power and the bills will get paid in advance.
TSNPDCL officials had already directed the government departments, including urban and rural local bodies, to clear the arrears of electricity charges.
Speaking to this correspondent, TSNPDCL Nizamabad Superintending Engineer Sudarshan said that prepaid meters will be set up in all government offices soon. The work is progressing at a brisk pace and the target will be completed soon, he added. Grama panchayats should clear the electricity charges as government accorded permission to spend money from 13th and 14th Finance Commission funds, he explained.
“We will stop the electricity supply, if the defaulters fail to clear the arrears within no time” he warned.
Replying to a question, Mr Sudarshan said that pre-paid meters will be set up in all category electricity connections in a phased manner.