Uttar Pradesh Scraps Prepaid Smart Meters, Introduces Postpaid Billing System
UP smart meter relief: New monthly billing, payment timeline & disconnection rules announced; Check the changes here
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The Uttar Pradesh government has abolished the mandatory prepaid system for smart electricity meters, transitioning to a postpaid model. This change, ordered by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to alleviate issues faced by 83 lakh households, ensuring more reliable billing and payment processes.
- 01Uttar Pradesh has shifted from a prepaid to a postpaid billing system for smart meters.
- 02This change affects approximately 83 lakh households, primarily small-scale consumers.
- 03Consumers will receive monthly bills via SMS or WhatsApp, improving transparency.
- 04Disconnections during the billing cycle are now prohibited to protect vulnerable families.
- 05Outstanding dues can be paid in up to 10 installments to ease financial burdens.
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The Uttar Pradesh government has officially scrapped the mandatory prepaid system for smart electricity meters, transitioning to a postpaid model under the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This change is expected to benefit nearly 83 lakh households, especially small-scale consumers with lower electricity loads, who have faced issues such as sudden blackouts and difficulties in recharging their prepaid meters. Starting this month, electricity consumption will be recorded from the 1st to the 30th of each month, with bills sent directly to consumers via SMS or WhatsApp within the first ten days of the following month. This system provides a grace period for families to manage their finances effectively. Additionally, the power department has been instructed not to disconnect any connections during the active billing cycle, ensuring that vulnerable families are protected. Consumers with outstanding dues can now settle their payments in up to 10 easy installments. The state has also paused the installation of new smart meters to address existing technical grievances. Consumer representatives have welcomed this decision but are advocating for the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters who opposed the previous prepaid system.
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This change will provide significant relief to households in Uttar Pradesh, allowing them to better manage their electricity payments and avoid sudden disconnections.
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