SMART METER TECHNICAL GLITCH LEAVES 7.5 LAKH CONSUMERS

SMART METER TECHNICAL GLITCH LEAVES 7.5 LAKH CONSUMERS

7-NOV-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------------A massive technical failure in Bihar’s smart prepaid electricity meter network has disrupted power management services for over 30 lakh consumers across 35 cities, leaving around 7.5 lakh electricity users in Patna stranded.

The widespread operational breakdown stems from an incomplete technical handover between service providers. Following the expiration of the contract with the previous management agency, EDF, the operational responsibility for server maintenance and meter integration was assigned to a new firm, Infinite Computer Solutions.

However, the real-time data migration and server integration required for millions of consumer accounts failed to meet completion deadlines. This technical bottleneck triggered a complete system lockup, effectively freezing consumer-facing platforms and backend billing servers.

The transition failure has led to a cascade of operational issues for electricity consumers across the state:

Real-time monitoring features on consumer mobile applications have ceased functioning, leaving users unable to track their daily power consumption or daily monetary deductions.

Numerous smart meters have entered a 'Non-Communication Mode.' As a result, consumers whose lines were disconnected prior to the glitch remain without power, as the system fails to send automatic reconnection signals even after successful balance recharges.

Data uploading for newly installed units, meter replacements, and new connection applications has ground to a complete halt.

Inaccurate data synchronization has led to technical errors in balance calculations, causing unexpected disconnections for several users.

The server freeze has sparked widespread anxiety among residents regarding prospective lump-sum deductions once system functionality is restored. Consumers fear that accumulated multi-day usage charges billed simultaneously could push accounts into negative balances and cause sudden power outages.

Responding to public concerns, power distribution company helpline officials confirmed that the disruptions are due to the ongoing agency migration. Authorities have assured consumers that technical teams are working to restore normal server operations and reaffirmed that power supplies will not be abruptly disconnected during the transition period.