Use modern, energy-efficient appliances: Nasrul Hamid

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has asked the officials in power sector to encourage consumers to use standard and energy-efficient appliances, reports UNB.

"You have to encourage the consumers to use quality and energy efficient electrical appliances", he told the officials while inaugurating the installation of pre-payment meters in Narail district under West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDCL) on Saturday through an online function.

He also said that consumers should try to avoid consuming electricity beyond their 'permitted load'.

He urged the consumers to take help from local electricity office in any of their case to avert any accident and ensure their safety.

"Our offices are always ready to provide necessary assistance to consumers", he told the function.

The state minister also urged the officials to inform the consumers about the benefits of smart pre-payment meters.

"Smart pre-payment meter users will ensure the consumers about electricity usage in accordance with their family budget while its bill payment system is very easy," he said.

With Deputy Commissioner of Narail District Anjuman Ara in the chair, the virtual meeting was also addressed by local member of parliament Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, power secretary Dr Sultan Ahmed, and managing director of WZPDCL. Md. Shafiq Uddin.

The number of electricity consumers in Narail district is 15,600 and initially some 9,998 smart pre-paid meters will be installed.

Officials said there will be an emergency balance system in the smart pre-payment meter system as consumers will be able to get Tk 100 balance when the payment is exhausted.

The meter will not be turned off during weekly holidays (Friday and Saturday), public holidays and after office hours (from 4:00 pm to 10.00 am the next day, even if the meter balance is exhausted.

Officials said consumers will get 1 per cent rebate on net electricity bill. There will be no arrears of electricity bill thus it removes the tension of line disconnection in case of payment failure.

There will be no additional DC / RC fee and no delay charge will be applicable. No security deposit will be accepted for new connection through pre-payment meter.

The remaining balance can be viewed at any time. Some Tk 40 will be adjusted with payment as the rent of single phase metre in every month.