By Vishwapati
Patna: Great news for the people of Bihar! The state government is set to speed up the installation of smart prepaid electricity meters in villages with the help of local leaders, including Mukhiyas and Sarpanchs. To ensure a smooth process, the electricity company has decided to involve public representatives, making sure there are no disagreements about the new meters. Engineers have already been given instructions to follow this plan.
The power company wants to install smart meters across Bihar without any issues. However, it believes that consumers should first be fully informed and convinced about the benefits of these meters. Many people worry that smart meters increase electricity bills, leading to confusion. To clear these doubts, consumers will be educated on how the meters work and why they are beneficial before installation.
To build trust, the company will first install smart prepaid meters in the homes of local leaders like the Mukhiya and Sarpanch. Then, engineers and public representatives will visit other households, explaining the advantages of smart meters. Metering agencies and engineers will also conduct awareness drives, informing people about the meters’ benefits before installation.
Awareness campaigns will be held at the Panchayat level through street plays, hoardings, miking, LED screens, posters, and banners under the IEC (Induction, Education, and Communication) programme. Additionally, pamphlets will be distributed at consumer premises to highlight the benefits of smart meters.
To help consumers, the company will share the contact details of two employees in each area to address smart meter-related concerns. A common service centre will also be set up to assist with queries, meter recharges, and complaints. Employees will be stationed at post offices and buildings to provide guidance and support, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers.
The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com
