Question : PRE-PAID ELECTRICITY METERS



(a) whether the Government has received any proposal to introduce prepaid electricity meters for the consumers;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF POWER ( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )

(a) to (c) : Electricity Act, 2003 envisages use of prepaid meters and provides that a distribution licensee shall not be entitled to require security from a consumer if he is prepared to take the supply through a pre-payment meter. The National Electricity Policy notified by the Central Government on 12.2.2005 entails the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to encourage use of pre-paid meters.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has made regulations, under the provisions of the Electricity Act 2003, for installation and operation of meters. These regulations, inter-alia, also provide for a plan by the distribution licensee for introduction and adoption of new technologies such as pre-paid meters etc. with the approval of Appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commissions.