Srinagar, Apr 15 :Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Saturday said that it would register all prospective consumers applying for new electric connections on a prepaid basis.

“With this major step towards better reforms, consumers that are applying for new connections shall be provided smart meters with prepaid functionality for bill payment,” KPDCL said.

This latest development will bring more transparency in power sector reforms of Kashmir Valley and provide reliable power supply by demand side management at consumer level, it added.

KPDCL said the consumers applying for new connections have to apply online at the www.kpdcl.jkpdd.net.

“The consumer shall deposit the security deposit and first prepaid recharge corresponding to sanctioned load to energize the smart meter,” KPDCL said.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had launched the Smart Bill Sahuliyat App(PWA) , SMART BS on February 27, to start the new era of transparency where consumers can check, manage and pay their bills on the same portal.

Consumers can additionally make use of any choice of online payment gateway including “mpay” or can even recharge through JK Bank Branch in the same manner as postpaid bill payment.

The new smart meter shall be provided and installed by KPDCL.