Smart meter transformation: Ranchi to achieve 100% smart prepaid meters by April; Concerns over balance leading to potential disconnections

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) aims to convert all single-phase and three-phase electricity connections in the state capital to smart meters by April, officials here said.

Nearly 3.65 lakh smart meters have already been installed in the city so far. However, over 16,000 connections are still pending, where the meters are yet to be replaced.


Manmohan Kumar, general manager of JBVNL’s Ranchi Supply Area Board, said the department is aiming for complete coverage soon. “By the end of April, Ranchi city will have 100% smart prepaid meters,” he said. Kumar said only high-load connections exceeding 20 kilowatts will continue with postpaid meters, though such cases are very limited.

Kumar said work was slowed down by rumours which claimed that electricity bills generated through smart meters are higher than those from conventional meters. Refuting the claims, Kumar said the department has tested thousands of smart meters and found no such discrepancy. “If consumers still suspect irregularities, we have appointed a third-party agency that can visit households and verify the functioning of the meter,” he said.

Meanwhile, the transition to prepaid smart meters has also led to a new challenge. Many consumers are failing to maintain a positive balance in their prepaid accounts, which automatically results in power disconnection once the balance turns negative.

According to officials, around 40,000 electricity connections in the city may face disconnection during March due to insufficient balance in prepaid meters. Kumar said consumers only need to maintain a positive balance to avoid disruption. “If supply is disconnected due to low balance, it can be restored within half an hour after recharging the account,” he said.

Consumers can estimate how much balance to maintain by checking their previous bills and average electricity usage. The department has also been sending multiple SMS alerts to consumers whose meter balance has dropped below –₹1,500, warning them to recharge.

“We send at least three messages every month to consumers. If someone is not receiving these alerts, they should verify their registered mobile number with their respective subdivision office, as the number may have been entered incorrectly,” Kumar added.

Officials said smart meters allow consumers to track their monthly, daily and even hourly electricity consumption through digital platforms. The automated system also minimises human intervention, improves billing transparency and helps detect issues such as technical faults or electricity theft.

Kumar urged residents who have not yet received smart meters to contact their area’s executive or assistant engineer via WhatsApp, providing their consumer number and address. Alternatively, they may submit a request at their local subdivision office. “The smart meter will be installed within a week of receiving the request,” he said.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !