Power department launches pre-paid smart meter rollout in Dimapur, Kohima & Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — Power department has announced that it will begin converting smart post-paid meters to smart pre-paid meters across Dimapur, Kohima and Chümoukedima divisions from December 1, in a phased rollout coinciding with Statehood Day.

A press release on Thursday stated that the initiative is part of government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

According to the department, consumers will receive an SMS alert on their registered mobile numbers three days before their meters are switched to prepaid mode.

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Follow-up notifications will also be issued for events such as low balance warnings, disconnection notices, recharge confirmations and reconnections.

To avoid disruption during the transition, each meter will be loaded with an emergency credit of INR 300 at the time of conversion. No disconnections will be made for up to five working days even if the emergency credit is exhausted, it stated.

The emergency credit—along with any consumption during this initial five-day window—will later be deducted from the consumer’s first recharge.

The department urged consumers to top up their accounts before the grace period ends.

Outstanding dues accumulated under the post-paid system will be recovered in six equal instalments over the next six months.

These payments must be made at the cash counters of the respective sub-divisions before the 10th of every month, failing which power supply will be disconnected, it warned.

Recharge facilities will be available at sub-division cash counters, through the department portal (www.dopn.gov.in) and via the ‘Smart Meter – Nagaland’ Android app.  It added that an iOS version of the app will be launched soon.