Electricity connections of consumers with outstanding dues are now being automatically disconnected if the balance on their smart meters turns negative. The automated disconnection system has come into effect across the Ranchi electricity circle, with power supply being cut daily for defaulters.

On Saturday alone, electricity connections of a large number of consumers were automatically disconnected across various supply divisions in Ranchi. According to official data, 1,165 connections were cut in the Ranchi Central supply division, 1,331 in Kokar, 853 in Doranda, 921 in Ranchi West, 613 in Ranchi East and 812 in the New Capital area. The list includes several commercial establishments whose smart meter balances were found to be negative.

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Officials said that once a connection is disconnected, the power supply is automatically restored as soon as the consumer clears the entire outstanding amount and the smart meter balance becomes positive.

Consumers with large pending amounts who are unable to pay the full bill at one time have been advised to contact the Executive Electrical Engineer of their respective areas to avail the facility of paying dues in instalments. Outstanding bills can be paid at ATP counters or through online payment modes.

However, due to the increasing number of disconnections, a surge has been reported in the number of consumers visiting ATP counters, leading to long queues.

The electricity department has appealed to consumers to make use of the online payment facility available on the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) website to avoid congestion at payment counters.

Manmohan Kumar, General Manager of the Ranchi electricity supply area, said that smart meters are now automatically disconnecting power supply daily for consumers with arrears. He urged consumers to clear their dues in time to avoid disruption, adding that supply will not be restored until the outstanding amount is paid in full.

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The department has also advised consumers to ensure that their mobile numbers are updated with their electricity connections. Electricity bills are now being sent via WhatsApp on registered mobile numbers, making it mandatory for consumers to link an active and updated number with their connection.

Consumers can update their mobile numbers by contacting their respective supply divisions:

-Ranchi Central: 9508021323

-Kokar: 6201382424

-New Capital: 7970802909

-Ranchi West: 9341218831

-Ranchi East: 9279943544

-Doranda: 8987716413