ZCZC
BSS-33
BPDB-PREPAID-METER
Setting up 19.58 lakh pre-paid meters underway
DHAKA, Jan 7, 2020 (BSS) – With a view to reducing system loss, pilferage and bill arrears, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has undertaken an initiative to bring 19,58,325 consumers under smart pre-paid metering system in phases.
“We will bring all consumers under smart pre-paid metering system aimed at reducing system loss, pilferage and bill arrears in the country,” State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told BSS here today.
He said the BPDB has already installed 11,66,005 smart pre-paid meters out of the total 31,24,330 consumers across the country in December 2019, adding, “We are also working to supply uninterrupted electricity to all.”
“The government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly to bring all citizens under power coverage as and our generation capacity reached to 22,787 MW,” Nasrul added.
The Power Division has taken the initiative through all distribution utilities to implement a pre-payment metering system with a view to reducing
non-technical losses, increasing the revenue collection and improving customer services.
Talking to BSS, Director (Public Relations) of BPDB Saiful Hasan Chowdhury said the BPDB has four distribution zones, including Chattagram, Mymensingh, Cumilla and Sylhet, adding, “We will bring all consumers including residential, industrial, commercial and offices under smart pre paid metering system in phases.”
He said the BPDB has signed an agreement with Shenzhen Star Instrument Co., Ltd on May 26, 2019 for procurement and installation of 1,50,575 pre-paid meters in Cumilla and Mymensingh zones.
“KfW Germany has financed the project. On the basis of turn-key the contractor has started the project work:, he said.
According to BPDB information, with the BPDB’s own finance, 54,000 smart pre-paid meters have already collected for its four zones. Besides, the BPDB signed a contract on November 28, 2019 with a supplier firm for procuring 55,000 smart pre-paid meters for its four zones.
Meanwhile, the state run Bangladesh Power Development Board has floated tender to procure and install 1,05,000 smart pre-paid meters. Under Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with up gradation of unified pre-paid system on turn-key basis the BPDB will implement the project with its own finance.
A plan will be taken to procure and install 6,00,000 smart pre-paid meters under the BPDB’s four distribution zones.
BSS/SPL/SAS/KU/1835 HRS