CHATTOGRAM, Jan 24, 2025 (BSS) - The Power Development Board (PDB) has already installed over 11.6 lakh pre-paid meters out of 15 lakh, bringing a major portion of domestic, commercial, and industrial subscribers under the automated system.

The state-run entity aims to bring the remaining 3.4 lakh customers under the pre-paid metering system by 2025, bidding farewell to the traditional, cumbersome, and corruption-prone post-paid manual billing system, according to PDB officials.

The officials stated that the misuse or excessive system loss of electricity has been significantly reduced, and revenue earnings have increased following the introduction of the automated system. A section of unscrupulous customers, PDB staff, and field-level employees can no longer engage in corruption through manipulation of bills and power readings after the introduction of the system.

There were widespread allegations of billing based on monthly power consumption without unit-wise actual meter readings. Once, many consumers were reportedly engaged in unethical practices to bypass actual electricity consumption through underhand dealings with meter readers, the source added.

"Introduction of the automated system has greatly contributed to increasing revenue income," said Akbar Hossain, PDB's Assistant Director (PR). He added that misuse and waste of electricity by consumers, as well as illegal connections, have dropped remarkably as subscribers are now more cautious about electricity usage.

On average, the monthly revenue income of PDB's west and east regions, covering the entire port city, now stands at Tk 300 crore in winter and Tk 400 crore during summer.

Customers are experiencing relief from harassment and financial losses with the introduction of the automated system, although some face challenges due to unfamiliarity with it.

AKM Mamunul Bashri, Superintendent Engineer of PDB (West), admitted that some customers have faced difficulties in using pre-paid meters due to their unfamiliarity with the operational system of such meters.

A three-member committee, including teachers from BUET, formed earlier by the ministry, did not find any fault in the functioning of the meters, he said.
Though the pre-paid metering system was introduced decades ago as a pilot project in the port city, its execution had been caught in a bureaucratic whirlpool, resulting in a slow pace. However, the project gained momentum in March 2016 under the supervision of two Chinese firms.