High-rise societies cannot survive power cuts without backup generators. But calculating who consumed how much DG power has triggered bitter disputes for years. Dual-source prepaid meters automated this process, but they introduce new billing complexities that treasurers must manage.
How Dual-Source Prepaid Meters Function
A dual-source prepaid meter connects to two independent incoming power lines: the main utility grid (state DISCOM) and the society’s captive Diesel Generator (DG) network. An internal automatic transfer switch detects voltage loss and switches measuring registers instantly.
Residents recharge a single prepaid balance through an app. The meter automatically deducts grid consumption at the state domestic tariff (e.g., ₹7/unit) and switches to a higher backup rate (e.g., ₹22–₹28/unit) when running on diesel power.
Calculating the True Cost of DG Power
Societies often face resident outrage when DG units are priced high. Treasurers must be transparent about the real thermodynamic and operating expenses of large diesel generators:
A typical 500 kVA DG consumes approximately 100–120 liters of diesel per hour under full load, producing around 3.2 to 3.8 electrical units (kWh) per liter. Add lubricants, generator AMC, replacement filters, and operator costs, and generating one kilowatt-hour rarely costs under ₹24.
- Conduct quarterly fuel reconciliation audits (diesel purchased vs electrical units generated).
- Distinguish common area DG load (lifts, water pumps) from private in-flat consumption.
- Ensure automatic load limiters (e.g., 3 kVA or 5 kVA) prevent residents from running multiple air conditioners during generator outages.
Common questions
Can an RWA disconnect electricity for non-payment of maintenance?
Electricity supply cannot be arbitrarily cut if it violates municipal directives. However, dual-source systems allow societies to disable the discretionary DG backup relay while leaving the baseline grid supply intact.
Related DGate resources for society management
DGate provides a modern, all-in-one Society OS covering digital gate security, automated maintenance dues and accounting, resident communication, and facility management in a single subscription.
- Full DGate feature list (Gate management + Maintenance accounting in one plan)
- Transparent per-flat pricing, 1 month free trial, ₹999 compact minimum
- Visitor management system for housing societies
- QR gate pass and delivery management app
- Society security and guard desk management
- RWA management software for managing committees
Ready to modernize your housing society? Book a free live demo or download the DGate mobile app.
One plan for the gate and the books
DGate is society management software for India: visitor management, maintenance dues and ledgers, notices, SOS — in one published subscription. 1 month free, then per-flat bands with a ₹999/month compact minimum. Remote onboarding. Not forever free, not a module store.