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Following technical glitches and public complaints concerning Smart Prepaid Meters, the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has implemented significant changes to the regulations governing them.

Providing much-needed relief to electricity consumers, the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has taken a major decision. Taking cognizance of the long-standing complaints and technical issues surrounding smart prepaid meters in the state, the government has ordered a complete overhaul of the entire system. Now, all prepaid smart meters across the state will function in the same manner as postpaid meters. This essentially means that your electricity supply will no longer be cut off the moment your balance runs out; instead, you will be granted sufficient time to pay your bill.

Freedom from the Fear of Prepaid Meters

Over the past few months, prepaid meters have become a major headache for consumers. The abrupt disconnection of power the moment the balance depleted—coupled with technical glitches in the recharging process—often left people stranded in the dark. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma clarified that this decision was taken with the convenience and welfare of the public as the paramount priority.

Key Highlights of the New System

• No Immediate Disconnection: Electricity supply will no longer be cut off immediately upon the depletion of the prepaid balance.
• Monthly Billing: Your electricity consumption will be calculated on a monthly basis, and a corresponding bill will be generated.
• Payment Grace Period: Consumers will be granted a 15-day grace period to make the payment after receiving their bill.

New Billing Schedule

The entire process of receiving electricity bills is now being made completely transparent and digital. According to the new guidelines, consumption will be calculated for the period spanning from the 1st to the 30th or 31st of each month. By the 10th of every month, the bill will be sent to the consumer’s mobile phone via SMS and WhatsApp. If a consumer does not receive their bill, they can retrieve it by utilizing the WhatsApp chatbot or by calling the toll-free helpline number, 1912.

Significant Relief Regarding Arrears and Security Deposits

The government has also taken into consideration the needs of consumers who have outstanding arrears. Consumers will no longer be under compulsion to pay off all outstanding dues accumulated up to April 30th in a single lump sum. This amount can be repaid in 10 easy installments. Furthermore, the security deposit—which had previously been refunded when connections were converted to prepaid mode—will now be collected once again. However, instead of demanding this as a lump sum, provisions have been made to recover it in four installments to ensure it does not place a sudden financial burden on the common man.

Special Camps to Address Grievances

To resolve issues related to smart meter readings, incorrect billing, or other technical glitches, the government will organize special grievance redressal camps at every block and sub-divisional level across the state during the months of May and June. At these camps, consumers will be able to meet directly with officials to have their complaints resolved.

Helpline Numbers Issued

Region-specific helpline numbers have been released to address any emergency situations or complaints.
Purvanchal: +91 8010968292
Madhyanchal: +91 7669003409
Pashchimanchal: +91 7859804803
Dakshinanchal: +91 8010957826
KESCo (Kanpur): +91 8287835233

Uninterrupted Power Supply

The government has issued strict directives to officials, emphasizing that merely rectifying billing errors is insufficient; rather, it is imperative to ensure that power supply is also maintained strictly in accordance with the prescribed schedule (roster). Furthermore, specific responsibility has been assigned to ensure the immediate replacement of transformers in the event of a breakdown.