Bangladesh power
sector has achieved some overall
improvement, but
misuse and pilferage remain major
areas requiring
further improvement.
Kazuhiko Higuchi
ADB country director
�Prepaid meters to be introduced in phases�
UNB
State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid yesterday said that the government is pledge-bound to introduce prepaid meters for all the electricity consumers in the country in phases, reports UNB.
He said this while addressing a workshop on prepaid metering systems at Biddyut Bhaban in the city.
The Power Cell organised the workshop titled: Pre-paid Metering System: Way to a Sustainable Solution for Consumer Satisfaction, with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and e.Gen Consultants Ltd.
With Power Cell director general Mohammad Hossain in the chair, the function was also addressed by ADB country director Kazuhiko Higuchi, and power secretary Monwar Islam.
The state minister said moving to pre-paid meters is inevitable for both the government and consumers, as it ensures dual benefits.
Prepaid meters can play a major role in reducing system loss while it could contribute a lot to improving the power supply system to ensure uninterrupted electricity. He also said there are huge challenges apart from the benefits. Despite the challenges, the government has been moving towards implementation of a number of schemes for introducing prepaid metering system.
He mentioned that a number of schemes are being piloted. But finally, we have to go for a unified system of prepaid metering.
The state minister said it is also essential to ensure availability of prepaid meters that people can buy according to their own choice from the market, while adhering to a specific standard.
The ADB country director said Bangladesh power sector has achieved some overall improvement, but misuse and pilferage remain major areas requiring further improvement. He said prepaid metering could play a vital role in this area. He assured ADB support for introducing prepaid meters across the country.
In the workshop, a number of case studies were presented by different power distribution agencies including PDB, REB, DPDC, and DESCO on prepaid metering.
Monwar Islam said the government introduced prepaid meters in phases in all areas of the country. But primarily, priority will be given to those areas where pilferage is taking place and big consumers are living.
