According to sources, the Chhattisgarh government is set to introduce a prepaid electricity billing system across all government offices from August 1, 2026. Under the new system, government departments will be required to recharge their electricity accounts on the first of the month for continuous electricity supply. The move aims to reduce mounting electricity dues and improve energy management.
The announcement followed the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s approval of electricity tariffs for the 2026–27 financial year.
Under the new system, government offices will follow a model similar to prepaid mobile recharges—pay first and then use electricity. The initiative is intended to curb rising electricity bill arrears, monitor energy consumption more effectively, and make the payment system more transparent.
According to data from the State Energy Department, outstanding electricity dues of government departments stood at ₹2,883.42 crore as of March 2026 and are estimated to rise to ₹4,332.64 crore by the end of June 2026. Citing the sharp increase in pending payments, the government has opted for this alternative, sources said.
If a department fails to recharge its prepaid account on time, its electricity supply will be disconnected—similar to how a prepaid mobile service is suspended once the balance is exhausted.
A source in the know disclosed that Tata power has be roped in for the project in Raipur It revealed that the company will install and maintain 18.60 lakh meters. A letter of Award was issued in conclusion to the tender floated by CSPDCL for three packages for different areas under the Chhattisgarh Discom. Tata Power participated in package 2 and emerged as a winner. The value of Project awarded to TPCL is ~Rs 1744 Crore and the project will be spanned over a period of 10 years.
The Project shall include Design, Supply, Installation, Commissioning followed by Operation and Maintenance of smart meters at consumer end and at Distribution Transformers level. The project will be executed under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and is expected to improve the AT&C losses in the designated area and increase revenue collection for CSPDCL.