Gurgaon: Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) is pushing consumers to shift from postpaid to prepaid smart metering by offering a 5% rebate on electricity bills.Aiming to encourage faster adoption across Gurgaon and Faridabad, DHBVN is promoting its Smart Meter DHBVN mobile app, which helps users monitor daily power consumption, track prepaid credit balance and receive timely alerts to avoid sudden disconnections. The app also allows easy complaint registration related to smart meters. With only around 9,300 consumers currently using the app, DHBVN is urging more households to download it and monitor their daily consumption.Officials say many consumers are hesitant due to unfamiliarity with the system. DHBVN spokesperson Sanjay Chugh said approximately 3.7 lakh smart meters were installed so far in Gurgaon and Faridabad cities. “If consumers in these two cities convert their electricity connection from postpaid to prepaid billing mode, they will get the discount on electricity bills,” said Chugh.He said the Smart Meter DHBVN mobile application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple iOS Store. According to the directions of the Union ministry of power, Smart Meter Fortnight is being celebrated across the country from Feb 9 to Feb 23. The objective of this campaign is to make consumers aware of the benefits of smart metering and promote its maximum usage.The corporation has appealed to consumers to adopt the prepaid billing system and download the app for “better control over electricity consumption”. For any kind of assistance, consumers can contact the 24/7 helpline number 1912 or 1800-180-4334. Residents in areas where smart meters have been installed can now opt for a prepaid recharge system, similar to mobile phone top-ups. If the recharge balance runs out, the power supply will automatically disconnect, though users will receive multiple alerts as their balance begins to drop. Officials added that disconnections will not occur on public holidays or non-working days, giving consumers time to recharge. Payments can be made both online and offline.A DHBVN official said the prepaid system would reduce billing disputes and allow consumers to monitor and regulate their electricity usage more efficiently. “They can track daily consumption, get reminders for low balance and pay only for what they use,” the official said. In Gurgaon, the prepaid option is available in sectors 14, 17, 21, 23, 23A, 24, 25, 31, 32, 39, 40, 43, Udyog Vihar 1-3, Palam Vihar, DLF 1-5, Sushant Lok 1 and nearby areas. To switch, consumers must download the app and enter their consumer number or seek assistance by calling the helpline.
