CG Electricity Update: The Chhattisgarh government has implemented a pre-paid electricity system for urban local bodies, marking a significant change in the billing mechanism for government electricity connections. The Urban Administration and Development Department has issued directives to all Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats to ensure the effective implementation of the pre-paid billing system, which came into effect on August 1. The department has clarified that if power supply is interrupted due to negligence—thereby affecting drinking water, street lights, or other essential services—the concerned urban local body will be held accountable.
Payment of arrears up to June 30 in installments
The government has also established a new arrangement for settling electricity bills pending as of June 30. Outstanding dues will be paid in equal installments over the next four quarters. To facilitate this, all urban local bodies must first verify their outstanding bills and ensure payment within the stipulated timeframe.
Power supply to essential services must not be interrupted
The government has clarified that the new system should not adversely affect civic amenities. Electricity connections for drinking water supply, sewerage, street lights, sanitation, and other essential services must not be disrupted under any circumstances. Local bodies have been instructed to monitor balances and recharge accounts on time to prevent such interruptions.
Monthly compliance report required
All urban local bodies are required to submit a compliance report to the Energy Audit Wing of the State Urban Development Agency by the 5th of every month. The report must include details such as the total number of electricity connections, pre-paid group IDs, nodal officer details, outstanding amounts, payments made, recharge amounts for the upcoming quarter, and available balances.
Large government offices included in the first phase
According to the department, the first phase will see government offices at the block level and above being linked to the pre-paid billing system via smart meters. Subsequently, government offices below the block level will also be brought under this system.
Appointment of a pre-paid nodal officer in every local body
A pre-paid nodal officer will be appointed in every Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, and Nagar Panchayat to oversee and monitor the operation of the new system. In municipal corporations, this responsibility may be assigned to the Commissioner, Zonal Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or Executive Engineer, whereas in municipalities and nagar panchayats, the Chief Municipal Officer will handle this task. It will be mandatory to provide the details of the designated officer to CSPDCL.
Electricity supply to continue only through advance recharge
To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply under the pre-paid system, the local bodies must make an advance recharge based on the estimated electricity consumption for the upcoming quarter. The department has clarified that situations leading to the disconnection of electricity connections due to delays in recharging or payment must be avoided.
