Attention electricity consumers! Your meter set to change; Know how you will benefit

For electricity consumers, here's a good news. The government is now planning to make all electricity meters smart prepaid in three years in a bid to cut transmission and distribution losses, says an official statement said.

"Ministry of Power, Government of India has decided to make all meters smart prepaid in 3 years from 1st April, 2019. This step is likely to bring revolution in power sector by way of reduction in AT&C losses, better health of DISCOMs, incentivisation of energy conservation, ease of bill payments and doing away with the paper bills," said an official statement from Ministry of Power.

How customers will benefit

The statement said, "Move towards smart meters is a pro-poor step as consumers need not pay the whole month's bill in one go, they can pay as per their requirements."

"Manufacturing of smart prepaid meters will also generate skilled employment for the youth," it added. 

State governments had earlier signed the Power for All document and had agreed to supply power round the clock to their consumers.

Under this, "the distribution licensee shall provide 24x7 power to their consumers by 1st April, 2019 or earlier. However the appropriate Commission in exceptional circumstances for the reasons to be recorded in writing may grant extension in this time period," the statement said.