MEERUT: The Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL) on Monday outlined the benefits and rollout of smart prepaid meters, terming the system a “modern, transparent and reliable” step towards digital transformation in power distribution.Addressing a press conference at the DISCOM headquarters, Urja Bhawan, Managing Director Ravish Gupta said the prepaid system would allow consumers to recharge electricity in advance and monitor usage in real time, enabling better control over consumption.A detailed presentation was made before electronic and print media, highlighting technical features and consumer benefits. Gupta urged consumers to register correct mobile numbers to receive timely SMS alerts related to consumption, balance and service updates, adding that no action is being taken without prior notice.Under the scheme, consumers will not be required to deposit security money. Users must maintain a positive prepaid balance to avoid disruption, though efforts are being made to restore supply within two hours of recharge in case of disconnection. Up to three electricity accounts can be linked to a single mobile number.PVVNL has installed around 14.95 lakh smart meters across its operational areas so far.Director (Commercial) Sanjay Jain said the system ensures transparent billing, real-time monitoring and periodic SMS alerts. Consumers will also get a 2% rebate on prepaid recharges.Officials appealed to consumers to cooperate with ongoing installations, stating that the initiative will strengthen a more consumer-friendly and efficient power distribution system in the future.
