nwhat we have: A pre-paid system of paying your electricity bills is already in existence ? Convenience Return and Security (CRES). It was launched by CESC in March 2002. Under this system, consumers pay an advance which is adjusted against the bill every month.

nfill it up: All you need to do is collect a free form from one of the CESC regional offices and fill it up. Alternatively, you can dial 1912 and ask for a form to be mailed to you. The minimum amount payable is one year?s bill that would be 12 times the amount that you pay on an average every month. There is no upper limit.

nwaste no time: The money has to be deposited at one of the designated banks. You earn an interest of 10.5 per cent which is also adjusted against your bill. But act fast. The interest rate is going to drop by 1 per cent from November 1.