The Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced the discontinuation of the prepaid system for smart electricity meters, directing all such meters in the state to operate under a postpaid billing model following multiple consumer complaints over technical issues.
The state currently has around 86.5 lakh smart meter consumers, including nearly 83 lakh users with prepaid smart meters. A large number of these consumers fall under the 1kW and 2kW categories.
Announcing the decision, Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said: “Following the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that smart meters will now function like conventional postpaid meters, under which consumers receive monthly electricity bills instead of making advance payments. The move is aimed at providing relief to electricity users who reported problems with the prepaid system.”
Under the revised arrangement, electricity usage from the 1st to the 30th of every month will be billed through the regular monthly billing cycle. Consumers will receive bills within the next 10 days through SMS or WhatsApp and will be required to make payments within the prescribed due period.
The minister also instructed the power department to ensure that electricity connections are not disconnected during the active billing cycle under any circumstances.
Additionally, consumers with outstanding dues will now be allowed to clear pending payments in up to 10 installments.
As part of the policy change, the replacement of older electricity meters with smart prepaid meters has been temporarily suspended. However, the government clarified that addressing complaints related to already installed smart meters will remain a priority.
Consumers have also been advised to update their registered mobile numbers with the electricity department to ensure timely delivery of billing and service-related communication.
The decision comes ahead of the peak summer season, when electricity demand typically rises sharply across the state. Officials were also directed during a review meeting at Shakti Bhawan to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and minimize inconvenience to consumers during periods of high demand.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad Chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma welcomed the decision and said: “Consumers of UP welcome the decision taken by CM Yogi Adityanath. However, as consumer representative, I demand that govt must withdraw the FIRs lodged against farmers and others who had staged protests against smart metering issues across the state.”
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.