Prepaid Electricity Meter Recharge Online: How to Pay

Prepaid smart meters are being rolled out across India under the government's Smart Metering National Programme (SMNP). Unlike postpaid connections, you pay first and use electricity — similar to a prepaid mobile phone. Here's how to recharge your prepaid electricity meter online.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Information is sourced from official DISCOM portals.

What Is a Prepaid Electricity Meter?

A prepaid smart meter allows you to pay for electricity in advance. Key features:

• Pay before use — no monthly bills, no due dates
• Real-time tracking — monitor usage on the meter display or app
• No disconnection surprises — you get low-balance alerts before power cuts
• Emergency credit — temporary credit when balance hits zero
• Remote recharge — recharge from anywhere using phone/UPI

How to Recharge: Online Methods

Method 1: DISCOM Official Portal/App

This is the most reliable method:

1. Visit your DISCOM's website or download their app
2. Log in with your prepaid meter number or consumer number
3. Select Recharge or Buy Token
4. Enter the recharge amount (minimum ₹100 in most states)
5. Pay via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card
6. A 20-digit recharge token is generated
7. Enter this token on your meter keypad to credit the balance

Major DISCOM Apps:

Method 2: UPI / Payment Apps

Many prepaid meters can be recharged via:

• Paytm → Electricity → Select your DISCOM → Enter meter number → Pay
• PhonePe → Recharge & Bills → Electricity → Prepaid meter
• Google Pay → Bills → Electricity → Search DISCOM
• Amazon Pay → Bill Payments → Electricity

Note: Not all DISCOMs support recharge via third-party apps yet. If your DISCOM is not listed, use the official portal.

Method 3: SMS Recharge (Select DISCOMs)

Some DISCOMs offer SMS-based recharge:

1. Send SMS: RECHARGE <MeterNumber> <Amount> to the DISCOM's SMS number
2. You'll receive a payment link
3. Complete payment to get the token

Method 4: Recharge via Nearby Retailer

Visit authorized recharge retailers (similar to mobile recharge shops):

1. Provide your prepaid meter number
2. Pay the recharge amount in cash or UPI
3. Receive a printed token slip
4. Enter the token on your meter

How to Enter the Recharge Token on Your Meter

The process varies slightly by meter brand, but generally:

1. Press the keypad button on your prepaid meter (usually a blue button)
2. The display will show "Enter Token" or similar prompt
3. Enter the 20-digit token using the keypad
4. Press Enter/OK to confirm
5. Display shows "Accepted" and your new balance

If the token is rejected:

• Check for typos — re-enter carefully
• Ensure the token hasn't expired (tokens are valid for 24-72 hours)
• Contact DISCOM helpline if the issue persists

Understanding Your Meter Display

Emergency Credit

When your balance reaches ₹0, most smart meters provide emergency credit:

• Amount: ₹50 – ₹200 (varies by DISCOM)
• Duration: Enough for 24-48 hours of basic usage
• Auto-deducted: The emergency credit amount is deducted from your next recharge
• One-time: Emergency credit is available only once per cycle until you recharge

After emergency credit runs out, the electricity supply is disconnected. Recharge to restore power automatically.

Minimum Recharge Amounts

Tip: Recharge with larger amounts less frequently to avoid token-entry hassle. Many DISCOMs also support auto-recharge via linked bank accounts.

Important Tips

1. Save your tokens — if you generate a token but don't enter it immediately, save it. Tokens expire in 24-72 hours
2. Set low-balance alerts — configure SMS/app alerts for low balance to avoid sudden disconnections
3. Track daily consumption — use the DISCOM app to monitor daily units consumed and plan recharges
4. Emergency credit is not free — it's deducted from your next recharge
5. Recharge before holidays — DISCOM offices may be closed, though online recharge is 24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when my prepaid meter balance reaches zero?

The meter first provides emergency credit (₹50-200). After emergency credit is exhausted, electricity supply is automatically disconnected. Recharging restores supply within minutes — no manual reconnection needed.

Can I switch from prepaid to postpaid meter?

This depends on your DISCOM's policy. Currently, most DISCOMs converting to prepaid meters are doing so as part of a government mandate, and switching back may not be available. Contact your DISCOM office for options.

Is the per-unit rate the same for prepaid and postpaid meters?

Yes. The tariff rate per unit is the same as set by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. Prepaid meters may actually save you money because there's no minimum monthly charge in some states.

How do I check my prepaid meter balance without going to the meter?

Use your DISCOM's mobile app or website. Log in with your meter number to see real-time balance. Some meters also support balance check via missed call or SMS.

Can I get a refund if I want to surrender my prepaid connection?

Yes. Any remaining balance in your prepaid meter will be refunded after final settlement of dues. Visit your DISCOM office with the surrender application.

My recharge was deducted from my bank but not credited to the meter. What do I do?

Wait for 30 minutes — sometimes there's a delay. If the token was generated, try entering it again. If no token was received, raise a complaint on the DISCOM portal or call the helpline. Keep the payment transaction ID as proof.

For general electricity bill payment help, see our bill payment guide. For payment failure issues, check the payment failed fix guide.