TNPDC hesitant to install prepaid meters
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

TNPDC hesitant to install prepaid meters

While the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Company (TNPDC) remains hesitant to implement prepaid smart meters, many consumers have expressed support for the idea. The Union Power Ministry has recommended TNPDC consider adopting prepaid meters to offer consumers greater flexibility and convenience.

In a recent meeting, Union Minister for Power and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, urged TNPDC officials to explore both prepaid and postpaid options, suggesting special benefits for those who opt for prepaid meters. Tamil Nadu’s Electricity Minister, V. Senthil Balaji, highlighted the state's current position on the matter.

TNPDC officials noted that of the 3.5 crore electricity consumers in Tamil Nadu, many benefit from subsidies, including free electricity for 2.75 crore households and 25 lakh farmers. Adopting prepaid meters could complicate subsidy distribution and require a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

However, T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, argued that a prepaid system would allow consumers to manage payments similarly to DTH or mobile recharges, thus eliminating deposit burdens. He urged TNPDC to implement both prepaid and postpaid options to cater to diverse consumer needs.

S. Nagalsamy, former member of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, suggested that the prepaid system could help TNPDC recover payments in advance, which would be beneficial given the utility’s current debt of ₹1.5 lakh crore. He recommended simplifying the tariff system under the new model and offering incentives for prepaid users.

TNPDC has not yet committed to implementing prepaid meters but is planning to introduce postpaid smart meters by 2027. Currently, 1.25 lakh smart meters have been installed in T Nagar, Chennai, as part of a smart city project.

While the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Company (TNPDC) remains hesitant to implement prepaid smart meters, many consumers have expressed support for the idea. The Union Power Ministry has recommended TNPDC consider adopting prepaid meters to offer consumers greater flexibility and convenience.In a recent meeting, Union Minister for Power and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, urged TNPDC officials to explore both prepaid and postpaid options, suggesting special benefits for those who opt for prepaid meters. Tamil Nadu’s Electricity Minister, V. Senthil Balaji, highlighted the state's current position on the matter.TNPDC officials noted that of the 3.5 crore electricity consumers in Tamil Nadu, many benefit from subsidies, including free electricity for 2.75 crore households and 25 lakh farmers. Adopting prepaid meters could complicate subsidy distribution and require a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.However, T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, argued that a prepaid system would allow consumers to manage payments similarly to DTH or mobile recharges, thus eliminating deposit burdens. He urged TNPDC to implement both prepaid and postpaid options to cater to diverse consumer needs.S. Nagalsamy, former member of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, suggested that the prepaid system could help TNPDC recover payments in advance, which would be beneficial given the utility’s current debt of ₹1.5 lakh crore. He recommended simplifying the tariff system under the new model and offering incentives for prepaid users.TNPDC has not yet committed to implementing prepaid meters but is planning to introduce postpaid smart meters by 2027. Currently, 1.25 lakh smart meters have been installed in T Nagar, Chennai, as part of a smart city project.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?