Accra:The users of prepaid electricity meters receive a 0.5 percent rebate on the remaining balance after recharging, offering some financial benefit while encouraging efficient electricity use and helping households manage their power expenses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has introduced a 0.5 percent rebate on the remaining balance of prepaid electricity meter recharges to promote their use. Additional charges such as VAT, demand charges, and meter rent are adjusted during the first recharge of each month, after which the rebate is applied. Consumers are exempt from paying a security deposit for a prepaid connection, and the monthly demand charge for residential users is Taka 42 per kilowatt of sanctioned load, along with a five percent VAT.
Meters provided by electricity distribution companies incur a monthly rental charge of Taka 40 for single-phase meters and Taka 250 for three-phase meters. For a residential consumer with a sanctioned load of two kilowatts, an initial recharge of Taka 1,000 in January would see Taka 171.62 deducted for VAT, demand charges, and meter rent, leaving Taka 832.52 available after the rebate.
Power Division Additional Secretary Noor Ahmad highlighted several benefits of prepaid meters, including reduced unnecessary expenditures, advanced revenue collection, and improved load management. The system also aids in addressing billing complications in rented properties and government facilities. Consumers can conveniently recharge their meters via mobile financial services, debit and credit cards, electricity vending stations, POS agents, and bank booths.
Prepaid metering systems allow consumers to monitor their electricity consumption and manage monthly expenses more effectively. Unlike postpaid meters, which provide bills at the end of the month, prepaid meters facilitate real-time tracking of power usage, helping consumers avoid large, unexpected bills. The system also offers emergency credit and 'friendly hour' facilities, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during holidays.
Users across the country have expressed satisfaction with prepaid meters, noting their ability to plan monthly electricity usage and control expenses. Saleh Hasan from Jatrabari and Muzahid Sheikh from Bogura town shared their positive experiences of better managing electricity consumption and costs with prepaid meters.
The system also reduces manpower costs for billing and distribution, assists in revenue collection by distribution companies, and provides the flexibility of using unused balance in subsequent months. Shafiqul Alam, an energy analyst, emphasized the importance of public awareness to address concerns and make prepaid meters more popular.
Electricity distribution companies, including DPDC, DESCO, NESCO, and WZPDCL, have significantly implemented prepaid meters among their customers. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board also serves a substantial number of prepaid meter users. For assistance, customers can contact the central hotline or those operated by distribution companies.