Soon, pre-paid power supply in B’lore

Soon, pre-paid power supply in B’lore
Deccan HErald

Enthused by the success of a pilot project, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has decided to provide the option of switching over to pre-paid power supply to all consumers of Bangalore.


The pre-paid system of power supply is all set to enter the country’s IT capital in a big way. Enthused by the success of a pilot project, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has decided to provide the option of switching over to pre-paid power supply to all consumers of Bangalore.

Bescom Managing Director Gonal Bheemappa told Deccan Herald that the pre-paid system would be implemented from the third or last week of September. Bescom has already given Letter of Acceptance to a private company -- Secure Meters Limited (SML) -- to implement the system.

Under the system, which would be similar to the prepaid cell phone services, consumers have to pay the money in advance for the power supply depending upon their requirement. The only difference with respect to the cell phone services is that the pre-paid power supply system would follow the key-pad method of recharging. Instead of recharge coupons, the consumers will be given a 20-digit number which has to be entered in their meters which will have key-pads.

According to SML Assistant General Manager V Rajaram, the consumers have different options of recharging the supply. They can visit the re-charge booths and get the recharge code of any denomination by paying the cash. They can even send SMS or call up the recharge booth to get the recharge code and transfer the required money through internet banking, debit/credit cards or through Electronic Clearing System.

Of course, consumers have to install a different meter for the pre-paid power supply. These meters will have a display unit which can be installed at any location convenient to consumers. The display system goes beyond providing information on the total electricity consumed so far and number of units (credit) left. It also provides details on the number of units consumed on any particular day, week, month, besides the average daily power consumption for the last six months, Mr Rajaram says.

This, Mr Bheemappa says, will help the consumers to know their power consumption pattern. The belief is that the pre-paid system would pave the way for conservation of energy by promoting responsible power consumption among consumers.

The officials feel that the prepaid system mitigates financial risks as the power utility gets the payment for the service in advance, unlike the present system where it receives payment only after 30-45 days of service. It also reduces overhead costs as there is no need for meter reading & billing. Besides, there is scope for planning the demand for power in advance.

Cost factor

But the pre-paid meters are costly. While the post-paid meter costs about Rs 1,000, the pre-paid one costs Rs 4,500. However, Mr Rajaram notes that the final difference in the cost would reduce to about Rs 600 to 1,000 as there is no need to pay security deposit for the pre-paid system. The difference could be made up through energy conservation in about six months to a year, he claims.

The company, which has implemented the pre-paid system in Delhi, Simla and West Bengal, is planning to implement it in a bigger way in Bangalore. It is already holding consultations with builders of apartments in this regard and setting up a booth in Koramangala.

HIGHLIGHTS

*New meters have to be installed

*Meters will have keypads and display units

*Recharge through entering the code

*Display unit shows consumption pattern for last six months

*Shows balance amount and units

*Pre-paid meter costs Rs 4,600 (post paid - Rs 1,000)

*No need for 3-MMD payment for pre-paid system