Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has converted 34,496 government electricity connections to a prepaid billing system, requiring departments to pay electricity charges in advance to ensure uninterrupted supply. The conversion began on Monday and applies to connections operating under the utility’s jurisdiction. The measure is intended to secure regular revenue flows and reduce the incidence of unpaid bills.

The prepaid arrangement covers government offices, educational institutions, municipalities, water works, street lighting and other public services across Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, Kadapa, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts. Smart meters have been installed at these sites to enable automated consumption recording. The utility expects the system to provide clearer billing and improved monitoring of usage.

APSPDCL indicated the move is aimed at enhancing transparency in electricity consumption and billing while addressing outstanding dues from government departments. Prepaid metering is also expected to strengthen power purchase planning and cash flow management for the corporation. E-wallet facilities have been introduced to facilitate recharging of prepaid balances.

Before the rollout the 34,496 institutions recharged e-wallets with nearly Rs 150 mn to cover electricity and fixed charges for the billing cycles. District wise, 4,735 services in Nellore involved Rs 11.9 mn, 4,942 in Tirupati involved Rs 22.9 mn and 4,193 in Chittoor involved Rs 16.3 mn, while 4,324 services in Annamayya involved Rs 16.8 mn. Kadapa accounted for 4,520 services and Rs 19.8 mn, Anantapur for 2,829 services and Rs 14.1 mn, Sri Sathya Sai for 2,432 services and Rs 8.881 mn, Kurnool for 3,243 services and Rs 16.3 mn and Nandyal for 3,278 services and Rs 15.4 mn.

The corporation said electricity charges will be deducted daily from the available prepaid balance and alerts will be issued when balances fall below prescribed minimums via SMS and e-mail. It warned that power supply will be disconnected automatically when balances are exhausted and urged departments to recharge to avoid disruptions. The utility plans to extend the prepaid metering system to remaining government institutions and other consumer categories in a phased manner.