UP Govt Scraps Prepaid Smart Meters, Restores Postpaid Billing For Lakhs Of Consumers
UP Govt Scraps Prepaid Smart Meters, Restores Postpaid Billing For Lakhs Of Consumers
Move comes after widespread complaints over billing issues, technical glitches, and public dissatisfaction
In a significant relief for electricity consumers, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the prepaid system for smart electricity meters and shift all users back to the postpaid billing model. The decision, announced on Monday, follows months of complaints from consumers over technical difficulties, billing discrepancies, and service disruptions.
Under the revised system, all electricity connections in the state will now operate on a postpaid basis, allowing consumers to pay their bills after usage similar to the earlier traditional model. Officials confirmed that monthly billing will resume, with bills generated for consumption from the first to the last day of each month and delivered by the 10th. Consumers will be given a 15-day window to clear their dues.
The rollback is expected to impact nearly 75 lakh connections that had been shifted to the prepaid system over the past year. While smart meters will continue to be used, they will now function in postpaid mode. New electricity connections will also be issued with smart meters, but without the prepaid requirement.
The state government has also temporarily halted the ongoing replacement of old meters with prepaid smart meters. However, officials clarified that addressing complaints related to already installed smart meters will remain a priority.
The decision comes against the backdrop of growing public dissatisfaction. Consumers across the state had raised concerns about inflated bills, delays in power restoration despite recharges, and frequent technical glitches. In several areas, protests were reported as frustration mounted over the functioning of prepaid systems.
Taking note of the issue, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier set up a high-level committee to review the implementation of smart meters and address grievances. Following the review, Energy Minister AK Sharma announced that all smart meters would operate in postpaid mode going forward.
“The billing cycle will remain similar to the earlier postpaid system. Consumers will receive monthly bills through SMS and WhatsApp and will be given adequate time to make payments,” Sharma said.
To improve accessibility and transparency, consumers will be able to check their bills through WhatsApp chatbots using their connection numbers or register complaints via the 1912 helpline. Authorities have also advised consumers to update their mobile numbers with the electricity department to ensure timely receipt of billing alerts and service-related messages.
In another relief measure, consumers with pending dues up to April 30 will be allowed to clear their outstanding amounts in up to 10 instalments. Additionally, special camps will be organised at division and sub-division levels during May and June to resolve billing and smart meter-related grievances.
The government has also addressed concerns related to security deposits. In cases where deposits were refunded during the shift to prepaid meters, the amount will now be recovered in four instalments instead of a lump sum, easing the financial burden on consumers.
Alongside these changes, officials have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially during the peak summer season. Strict instructions have been issued for the timely replacement of faulty transformers and swift resolution of service disruptions.
The move marks a major policy shift in Uttar Pradesh’s power sector, reflecting the government’s response to consumer feedback and its attempt to balance technological upgrades with on-ground practicality.
