Puducherry, a union territory of India, has embraced advanced energy technology with the implementation of ‘SMART METERS.’ Managed by the Puducherry Electricity Department, these meters aim to improve energy efficiency and enhance billing transparency for residents. Smart meters allow for real-time energy consumption tracking, empowering users to optimise their energy usage effectively.

Bajaj Pay, the BBPS platform from Bajaj Finserv, simplifies the process of recharging your smart meters. With this platform, you can recharge your electricity smart meter, make payments, and access your recharge receipts quickly and efficiently. Bajaj Pay also supports a wide range of other financial transactions, making it an all-in-one solution for managing multiple payments with ease.

Understanding smart meters

Smart meters are advanced electronic devices designed to record electricity consumption in real time. They provide users with precise data, helping them optimise their energy usage. Smart meters communicate directly with electricity providers, eliminating manual readings and ensuring accurate billing. This technology has gained widespread acceptance for its convenience and efficiency.

What is a smart meter

A smart meter is an electronic device that measures and records electricity usage in real time. It communicates directly with energy providers using wireless technology, ensuring accurate billing. These meters allow consumers to monitor their electricity consumption and recharge as needed, promoting efficient energy use.

Benefits of using smart meters

Here are the key benefits of using a smart meter for your electricity connection:

• Real-time data: Provides instant updates on electricity consumption.
• Accurate billing: Eliminates errors caused by manual readings.
• Energy efficiency: Encourages users to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
• Convenience: It enables seamless recharge through various online and offline options.
• Environmental benefits: Supports reduced power wastage, aiding in environmental sustainability.

How to recharge your smart meter in Puducherry

Residents in Puducherry can recharge their smart meters conveniently through various methods. These include online platforms, such as mobile apps or official electricity board websites, and offline facilities, like service centres or designated kiosks.

For online recharges, users can log in to the electricity department’s website, enter their consumer number, and select the payment option. Offline methods include visiting local electricity offices or counters for cash or cheque payments. Both methods aim to provide flexible solutions for users across different demographics.

Online recharge

Online recharge is a convenient way to top up smart meters. Users can access the electricity board’s official website or mobile apps for transactions. Digital wallets, Bajaj Pay, UPI, and internet banking provide secure payment options.

These platforms ensure real-time updates, allowing users to avoid delays or disruptions in their electricity supply. With mobile-friendly interfaces, the process is straightforward for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Offline recharge options

For residents preferring traditional methods, offline recharge options are readily available. Consumers can visit electricity department offices or authorised centres to make payments in cash, by cheque, or via card.

Designated kiosks in select areas also provide self-service options for instant recharge. These facilities cater to users without digital access, ensuring inclusivity. The department strives to make energy services accessible to all.

Contact information for smart meter services

Service	Contact number
Customer support	18004251912

Puducherry office contacts

Service	Details
Designation	Superintending Engineer-cum-Head of the Department
Address	Main office campus, No. 137, NSC Bose Salai, Puducherry - 605 001
Email	se1ped.pon@nic.in
Phone	0413-2334277
Website	electricity.py.gov.in
Category/Type	Public
Pincode	605009

Electricity tariff rates in Puducherry

Here is a summary of the electricity charges in Puducherry for different categories, presented in a table format:

Domestic consumers

Category of Consumers	Existing Tariff	Proposed Tariff
Fixed Charges	Energy Charges	Fixed Charges
Life Line Services / OHOB (0-50 units/month)	Rs. 10/kW/Month	Rs. 1.45/kWh
0-100 units/month	Rs. 30/kW/Month	Rs. 2.25/kWh
101-200 units/month		Rs. 3.25/kWh
201-300 units/month		Rs. 5.40/kWh
Above 300 units/month		Rs. 6.80/kWh

Nondomestic/Commercial consumers

Category of Consumers	Existing Tariff	Proposed Tariff
Fixed Charges	Energy Charges	Fixed Charges
LT Commercial (0-100 units/month)	Rs. 75.00/kW/Month	Rs. 6.00/kWh
LT Commercial (101-250 units/month)		Rs. 7.05/kWh
LT Commercial (Above 250 units/month)		Rs. 7.80/kWh
HT Commercial (For contract demand up to 5000 kVA)	Rs. 420/kVA/month	Rs. 5.60/kVAh

Tips to manage and reduce your electricity consumption

Switch to LED lighting: Save energy by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights.

Use energy-efficient appliances: Choose devices with high energy ratings.

Unplug devices: Disconnect unused electronics to prevent phantom power consumption.

Optimise AC usage: Set air conditioners at 24°C or higher.

Schedule appliance use: Run energy-intensive appliances during off-peak hours.

Steps to pay your electricity bill online on the Bajaj Finserv website

Paying the electricity bill through the Bajaj Finserv website is simple. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the Bajaj Finserv website

2. Navigate to ‘ALL PAYMENTS’ under the ‘PAYMENTS’ section and click on it

3. Select the ‘ELECTRICITY BILL’ option from under ‘BILLS AND RECHARGES’

4. A pop-up will request for sign-in, enter your mobile number and click on ‘GET OTP’ to login

5. Select your service provider from the list of power suppliers

6. Enter your ‘CUSTOMER ID’ and click on ‘FETCH YOUR BILL’

7. Verify the bill amount and click on ‘PAY NOW’

8. Pay using the multiple payment methods available such as Bajaj Pay UPI, debit card, credit card, net banking, and Bajaj Pay Wallet.

Post the transaction you will be receiving a confirmation to intimate about successful payment.

Fee and charges

A convenience fee of up to 2% will be charged depending on the transaction amount and payment mode (inclusive of applicable taxes). For more information on fees and charges, click here.

Note: For failed transactions, the total amount including charges except taxes are reversed.