Uttar Pradesh has announced a significant shift in its electricity metering policy, converting all smart meters from prepaid to postpaid mode. The decision, driven by numerous consumer complaints regarding technical difficulties with the prepaid system, aims to provide substantial relief to residents, especially as temperatures rise.
Smart Meters to Function Like Traditional Postpaid Systems
Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma confirmed the change, stating that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that smart meters should function identically to conventional postpaid meters. This means consumers will now receive monthly electricity bills instead of making advance payments, addressing a key pain point for the state's 83 lakh smart prepaid meter users.
Key Changes for Consumers
- Monthly Billing: Electricity consumption recorded from the 1st to the 30th of each month will be billed conventionally.
- Bill Delivery: Consumers will receive their bills within ten days of the month's end via SMS or WhatsApp. Payments must be made within a prescribed timeframe.
- No Disconnections: The power department has been instructed not to disconnect electricity connections during the ongoing monthly billing cycle under any circumstances.
- Installment Option for Dues: Consumers with pending electricity dues will now be allowed to clear their outstanding amounts in up to ten installments.
- New Installations Suspended: The replacement of old meters with new smart prepaid meters has been temporarily halted, with a focus on resolving issues related to already installed smart meters.
Consumer Action and Government Stance
Consumers are advised to update their mobile numbers with the electricity department to ensure they receive timely billing and service-related messages. The government emphasized that consumer convenience remains central to its power sector policies and that ongoing feedback regarding smart meter implementation will continue to be addressed.
The Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman, Avadhesh Kumar Verma, welcomed the decision, acknowledging the relief it brings to consumers. He also called for the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against farmers and others who had protested against smart metering issues across the state.
Relief Ahead of Peak Summer
This policy change comes strategically ahead of the peak summer season, a period of high electricity demand. The minister reiterated instructions to officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and prevent public inconvenience, aligning the new billing system with efforts to improve overall service delivery.