look news india
These days, a new phase related to the electricity system has started in Uttar Pradesh, which is no longer limited to just technical improvements, but its big political and social impact is also being seen. Smart prepaid meters have been installed in about 75 lakh houses in the state, but after this, sharp protests from consumers have raised serious questions on the functioning of the entire system.
In view of the huge anger of the public, the Yogi government has stopped the process of removing old meters and installing new prepaid meters with immediate effect. In such a situation, the biggest and most important question now arises that how can the consumers in the houses where this meter has already been installed get out of the problem of practical problems and increased bills?
Why was there strong opposition to smart meters in UP?
Smart prepaid meters were initially promoted as a modern, transparent and “honest” electricity meter to replace traditional manual meters. The department argued that this would eliminate reading errors, but as its data and use on the ground increased, its burden on consumers’ pockets and complaints also increased rapidly.
Prepaid mode smart meters have been installed in about 75 lakh homes in Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest such bulk-installation in the entire country. In this system, consumers are mainly facing these problems:
-
Sudden power outage: Many consumers complain that despite sufficient amount of recharge, the meter suddenly starts showing “negative balance” and electricity to the house is disconnected without any prior warning.
-
Software slowing down: As soon as smart meters were installed, the problem of immediate power cut was seen in about 5 lakh houses. In many areas, even after two-three days of recharge by the consumer, power supply could not be restored due to servers being down.
-
Allegation of forced installation: People took to the streets in big cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Azamgarh, Mahoba, Hamirpur and Banda. The direct allegation of the consumers was that without their written consent or any prior awareness campaign, their existing manual meters were being uprooted and prepaid meters were being forcibly handed over, due to which the problem of over-billing had increased.
Big decision of the state government: stoppage, technical investigation and payment of companies
Sensing this all-round public anger, Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department has taken a big and policy decision. On the strict instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a four-member Technical Committee has been formed. Until this committee submits its detailed investigation report, the process of installing new prepaid meters will be completely stopped.
This committee is mainly entrusted with the responsibility of intensively investigating the software accuracy of smart meters, flaws in the billing system, reasons for over-billing and consumer complaints.
Energy Minister’s clear stand: State Energy Minister AK Sharma, while clarifying the situation, has said that the system of smart prepaid meters will be applicable in the new electricity connections being issued. But, the houses which already have manual or normal postpaid meters running smoothly will not be converted to prepaid by force or pressure. Along with this, government payments to private companies installing meters have also been put on hold to prevent hasty and wrong installation.
What legal options do troubled consumers have now?
After this decision of the state government, consumers have got the legal right to choose prepaid or postpaid mode as per their wish. Consumers already had this freedom under Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003, but now the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Consumer Council has appealed to the UP State Electricity Regulatory Commission to implement it more strongly.uperc) has also filed a PIL, so that in future no meter can be imposed on the consumer without his consent.
If a smart prepaid meter has been installed in your home and you are worried about its bill or working, then you can adopt these three practical ways:
1. Apply to convert from prepaid to postpaid mode
Consumers can visit the respective SDO or XEN office of their area and submit an application in writing. Enter your name, current consumer number, complete address and clear request for converting prepaid smart meter to postpaid smart meter in this application.
-
Strengthen authority: of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) with your application. Official Notification 1st April 2026 Referring to or attaching a photocopy of the same makes your case legally much stronger.
-
Security Deposit: As per the rules for this technical change, the department may ask you to deposit a security amount of around Rs 2,000, which is later refunded or adjusted at the time of your final bill settlement.
2. Keep track of receipts and deadlines
While submitting your written application in the office, definitely take the Acknowledgment Receipt from the concerned clerk or officer there. It is mandatory to have date, application number and signature of the officer on this receipt. If the electricity department does not take any appropriate action on your application within 7 to 10 working days, you can take the matter to higher authorities on the basis of this receipt.
3. Take refuge in Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) and Consumer Forum
If you do not get any satisfactory solution from the district or local level electricity office, you can directly lodge your complaint with Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) or Consumer Forum. Here you can not only demand replacement of your meter or rectification of wrong bill, but can also get an immediate legal stay on the recovery of any kind of illegal or extra charges imposed by the department. The State Electricity Consumer Council is also continuously helping in taking major policy decisions at the system level by compiling the complaints of such affected consumers.
