Consumers of Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam’s (JBVNL) Singhbhum electricity supply area will soon get updates on power cuts and bills on their mobile phones.

JBVNL officials said the discom would soon launch a mobile app which would provide information on power cuts and bills well in advance. “Currently, consumers are not aware of scheduled power cuts or those happening because of breakdowns. But, with the new app, which is likely to be launched next month, information related to power cuts will be a touch away. Consumers will also get updates on bills and other issues,” said Chandra Shekhar, a JBVNL junior engineer.

Consumers who do not have smart phones will get SMSes.

The Singhbhum electricity supply area, which covers East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, has a consumer base of over 6 lakh.

Officials at Karandih-based JBVNL office said the app would also provide information on maintenance and repairs in power feeders, sub-stations and grids.

Officials said talks were on with a few software companies to develop the app. “The decision was taken for the convenience of consumers,” an official said.

“Power cuts and load sheddings continue for long hours and consumers don’t get satisfactory information when they call up power offices. We hope that the app will be of much help,” said K.N. Singh, a resident of Dimna Road in Mango.

Meanwhile, JBVNL’s Sin-ghbhum electricity supply area has initiated steps to strengthen its supply network keeping in view the festive season ahead.

“Damaged conductors and poles are being replaced at several places under our command. This will strengthen our supply,” an official said.