Tata Power to offer pre-paid power

Tata Power Co Ltd on Monday announced plans to introduce pre-paid electricity for consumers in Delhi starting October. The services would be launched by Tata Power's distribution arm""North Delhi Power Co Ltd.

"We are planning to launch a pre-paid power facility for our Delhi consumers next month," Anil Sardana, chief executive NDPL said.

With this, Delhi would become the second city in the country to start such services. In Mumbai, pre-paid power service is already being provided by Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking. To begin with, pre-paid power would be available under a coupon system in select areas of the Capital on a trial basis, NDPL said.

The coupons would be sold through local banks besides NDPL's consumer care centres for various denominations""starting at a minimum of Rs 100. Under the scheme, new electricity meters would be made available to consumers in Rohini, Pitampura and Civil Lines localities of Delhi.

To promote the scheme, NDPL would install around 1,250 meters""each priced at Rs 2,000 "" at its own cost, Sardana said.

The pre-paid offer would be convenient and would also help consumers manage their budget better.

To prevent meter tampering, the coupons sold to customers would carry a unique number, corresponding with a unique meter.

NDPL""in which Tata Power holds 51 per cent stake""currently supplies power to north and north-western parts of the capital.