+
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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code