Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Punjab to Install Prepaid Smart Meters for Government Power Connections
The Punjab government is going to install prepaid smart meters for all its electricity connections starting February 15.
This is because the central government has said that if states do this, they can borrow more money.
The extra money Punjab can borrow is about Rs 4,000 crore.
Right now, the government departments owe a lot of money for electricity, and this new system will make sure they pay in advance.
The smart meters will be put outside buildings and will have special seals so no one can tamper with them.
This change is expected to help the power company get paid on time and reduce its financial problems.
Punjab to implement prepaid smart metering for government electricity connections from February 15.
Reform aimed at meeting Central government conditions to gain additional borrowing space of 0.5% of GSDP.
Outstanding power dues of government departments have crossed Rs 2,600 crore.
Prepaid metering will be implemented on one-phase and three-phase smart meters with specific load limits.
Smart meters will be installed outside premises with anti-tampering measures and paperless billing.
- Who
- Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL)
- What
- Implementation of prepaid smart metering for government electricity connections
- When
- Starting February 15
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- To meet Central government reform conditions and gain additional borrowing space
- Implementation Date
- February 15
- Borrowing Incentive
- 0.5% of GSDP
- GSDP 2024-25
- Rs 8.1 lakh crore
- GSDP 2025-26
- Rs 8.9 lakh crore
- Additional Borrowing Capacity
- Over Rs 4,000 crore
- Outstanding Dues
- Rs 2,600 crore
- Smart Meters Installed
- 38,000 (as of December 31, 2025)