Kolkata: The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) has decided to allow consumers to use electricity up to a negative balance of Rs 300 post-installation of prepaid smart meters.
This translates into no disconnection of the power supply even if the balance reaches zero. This was against the backdrop of stiff resistance against the installation of prepaid smart meters across the state.
The minimum amount of recharge for prepaid meters is Rs 100. Usually, these prepaid meters function along the lines of prepaid mobile phone connections.
The electricity supply is disconnected once the prepaid amount is exhausted. WBSEDCL has tweaked this disconnection formula to ensure a smooth transition from conventional electricity meters to prepaid smart meters.
There will be no disconnection of electricity lines for consumers even on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and beyond office hours, even if the balance reaches negative Rs 300.
For reconnection, the consumer has to deposit the amount of negative balance (more if it reaches negative on weekends and public holidays) and recharge the meter with a minimum of Rs 100.
