WHEN I used to live in the United Kingdom as a trainee in a rented house several years ago, the landlord had a prepaid electricity meter installed in the house. This was an excellent device as the tenant and landlord never had an issue on bill payment.

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) should also provide this option as tenants and landlords have many problems due to unpaid bills.

Prepaid meters will also reduce the circular debt if installed in areas where recovery against bills is an issue. They will also lower the cost of electricity, as meter readers would not be required anymore and the billing department will also become redundant.

Furthermore, the influx of bill-payers at banks will also reduce. There are many advantages of prepaid electricity meters and practically no disadvantages. The authorities should seriously consider this option.

Shabbir Ahmad
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2021