Cyber fraudsters force Telangana power discom to put QR code payment option on hold

With the growing number of cyber fraud incidents targeting electricity consumers, the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL), which announced last month that it would issue energy bills to its consumers with a QR code, put the facility on hold.

The idea was to ensure hassle-free payment without the need for entering the Unique Service Connection (USC) number in the utility’s website or app following the discontinuation of direct payment through third-party



apps (UPIs) from August. However, SPDCL has dropped the idea fearing cyber fraudsters will misuse the facility.

On July 1, the officials of the Southern Discom announced that due to the implementation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, consumers would not be able to make the payment of their monthly energy bills through third-party apps and that the consumers have to pay their bills only through the utility’s website or app in addition to the bill collection centres and counters.