In a bid to save energy and effectively curb electricity theft, the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has made it mandatory to install smart prepaid meters. In the first phase, 73,000 households in the urban area of Azamgarh, specifically under the Nagar Palika Parishad, will receive these smart meters for free. Consumers will be educated about the benefits of these meters to dispel any misconceptions they might have.
How Do Smart Pre-Paid Meters Work?
- Activation via Mobile App:
- Consumers can activate the smart meter using a dedicated mobile app.
- Registration requires linking the meter to their billing account number.
- Once activated, the app provides regular updates on electricity-related information.
- Real-Time Monitoring:
- Smart meters continuously record electricity usage, allowing consumers to track their consumption patterns.
- Users can check how many units they’ve consumed and when.
- Powerful Features:
- The app includes features like load shedding alerts and capacity reduction options.
- Consumers can adjust their usage based on real-time data.
- No Technical Expertise Required:
- Unlike traditional meters, smart pre-paid meters don’t demand technical know-how.
- Recharging the meter is as simple as topping up a mobile phone.
- Alternate Recharge Options:
- For those without smartphones, recharge services are available at BC Sakhi centers and power distribution counters.
Overview of the Smart Metering Project
The Smart Metering Project aims to cover 64,500 domestic light-fan consumers and 8,500 commercial consumers in the city. In addition to individual households, smart meters will also be installed on transformers and feeders supplying electricity to various neighborhoods. The process has already begun in Bhavnarnath, where a meter has been installed on a feeder. All meters are expected to be installed by the end of this year. Surveys and preparations in urban areas have been completed.
Quality Assurance and Initial Installation
It have been installed on the Bhavnarnath feeder as a sample. The data from these meters will undergo a three-tier technical quality check. Upon successful verification, the installation of smart meters will commence citywide.
How to Recharge Smart Prepaid Meters
Consumers will not need special technical knowledge to recharge smart prepaid meters. Similar to mobile phone recharges, consumers can recharge their meters. Those without mobile phones can recharge at BC Sakhis and counters at electricity substations.
Convenient Online Recharge
Smart prepaid consumers can also recharge their meters online using the Smart Consumer App from the comfort of their homes. To activate the app, consumers must register with their bill account numbers. The app will then provide all electricity-related information, including the remaining electricity units.
Benefits of Smart Prepaid Meters
- Real-Time Monitoring: Smart prepaid meters will record electricity usage every minute.
- Mobile App Integration: Consumers can monitor usage through a mobile app.
- Power Management: The app allows for electricity disconnection and power reduction.
- Accurate Billing: Precise consumption evaluation will ensure accurate billing.
- Real-Time Data Availability: The meters provide real-time data for consumers.
- Theft Prevention: Smart meters reduce the risk of electricity theft. Unauthorized connections can be detected promptly.
Checking Your Prepaid Meter Balance
The easiest way to check the balance on your prepaid meter is to look at the meter’s screen, where the unit balance is usually displayed. This means you can see your available units whenever you check the meter.
What to Do If the Meter Shuts Down
If your meter shuts down, turn on one appliance at a time and check the meter. If the meter runs too quickly, the appliance might be faulty. If the meter still runs fast, the meter itself might be defective.
How to Reset Your Meter
To reset your meter, press the blue or # button. This action reconnects the two parts of your meter. This should reset your meter, and it’s important to note that this issue is not a technical fault, so there’s no need to call a technician for this matter.
By installing these smart prepaid meters, Azamgarh is taking a significant step towards modernizing its electricity distribution system, ensuring energy savings, reducing electricity theft, and providing consumers with greater control and convenience.
Conclusion
Smart pre-paid meters are transforming the way we manage electricity. By empowering consumers with real-time data and user-friendly features, they contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future. So, embrace the smart meter revolution and take control of your energy consumption!
