‘Consumer is God’: UP govt scraps prepaid power meter system after protests

Consumers have been asked to pay within the stipulated time and ensure their phone numbers are updated to receive official communications, he informed.

“Under no circumstances will electricity be disconnected within the month,” he said, adding that consumers with pending dues will be given the option to clear them in up to 10 installments.

Work on replacing old meters with smart prepaid meters has been put on hold, and resolving the complaints related to already installed smart meters would remain a priority, the minister also said.

The announcement follows widespread protests across the state over the past month, with reports of consumers removing meters and taking out processions, alleging faulty billing and operational issues.

Sharma said a meeting was held at Shakti Bhawan to ensure that people face no electricity-related problems during the summer, and officials have been directed accordingly.

Sources said the state Cabinet Monday held a detailed discussion on the complaints related to smart electricity meters, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath indicating that the companies involved in their installation and manufacturing could face investigation.

If any defect is found in the manufacturing or functioning of meters, the government will take action, they quoted the CM saying.

The guilty firms would not just be blacklisted but might also face FIRs if irregularities are found, they added.

On Sunday, minister Sharma had targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav over the issue, calling his criticism “the pot calling the kettle black” and challenging him to a debate “on any subject”. 

Sharma said had Yadav shown even a fraction of concern during his tenure as chief minister, the state’s electricity system would not have deteriorated. 

The number of electrified villages has increased from 1.28 lakh (before 2017) to nearly 3 lakh, while electricity consumers have risen from 1.8 crore to 3.72 crore, with 40–45 lakh new connections added in the last four years, he claimed.

Defending the smart meter system, he had said they ensure transparency and do not generate incorrect bills, while acknowledging initial technical glitches, while assuring that prepaid users will receive multiple alerts before disconnection.