Finance dept pushes prepaid meter installation Govt offices, PSUs, universities

Srinagar, Apr 29: The Finance Department Wednesday asked all government offices, PSUs, corporations, and universities to fast-track the installation of prepaid smart meters.
The department in a circular said that all the administrative departments shall expedite the installation of pre-paid smart meters in all office buildings and residential quarters owned by the Government, PSUs, Corporations, Local body, Institutions and Universities etc in coordination with Power Development Department and its DISCOMS.
It also said that for smooth and successful transition from conventional mode of electricity accounting or payment to pre-paid smart metering system, the departments are instructed to ensure installation of pre-paid smart meters in all Government offices and buildings under their administrative control on priority basis, as per the instructions already issued.
“All the outstanding electricity dues shall be cleared out of the available funds after proper reconciliation of outstanding bills, simultaneously with the installation of pre-paid smart meters, as the 50% balance funds under the unit head “008-Electricity Charges” stands also released,” it reads.
The circular further said that the payment of post “installation of pre-paid meters” electricity charges (pre-paid payments) by all the Drawing & Disbursing Officers (DDOs) shall be made out of the available budgetary allocation on the pattern of payments being made against telephone, Internet, Wi-Fi and other statutory dues.
“After successful implementation or installation of pre-paid smart meters and ensuring recharging, payment for a period of one to two months, the concerned Departments shall furnish a reasonable and justified estimation of further funds, if required, to the Finance Department for consideration,” it reads.
The circular further states that the Heads of Departments, Offices and DDOs shall strictly monitor the consumption of electricity units to ensure that usage remains within the budgetary allocation provided. “However, in case of departments providing essential service, critical utilities, the additional requirement of funds, if any, shall be considered by the Finance Department on the basis of actual and justified estimation.” (KNO)