PATNA, July 22 -- Power consumers, using smart prepaid meters, would need to recharge their meters after consuming over and above 125 units in a month, said energy department officials on Monday. This means that a prepaid meter user will not have to recharge for the consumption of the first 125 units. The consumer will, however, have to recharge if s/he has pending dues, which is deducted on a daily basis, said a press release issued by the department. There are, approximately, 60 lakh domestic consumers whose premises have been installed with smart prepaid meters in the state. "There is no confusion on how prepaid consumers will get the benefit of the scheme. They will not have to recharge for the first 125 units but only after consuming the first 125 units in a month," the statement said. For consumers who have already recharged or will recharge their meter in July, the amount for 125 units will be credited into their accounts, said the statement, adding that it would reflect in 'balance' head after the energy bill is generated on August 1. The state cabinet had on July 18 given its nod to provide 125 units of free electricity to 1.86 crore domestic consumers, including 1.67 crore consumers who, on an average, use up to 125 units of electricity per month. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had on July 17 made the announcement. The decision will come into effect from August 1, 2025. The scheme has been made applicable from the month of July which would reflect in the energy bill of August. Both the distribution companies - North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd - would inform their consumers through text message (SMS) on their registered mobile numbers when the amount gets credited into their account. For example, a prepaid consumer consuming 200 units of electricity in a month, will be charged for only 75 units at a subsidised rate as usual. After subsidy to urban consumers, the power companies charge Rs.4.12 per unit for the first 100 units while Rs.5.52 is charged per unit for those consuming over and above 100 units of electricity....