UP govt suspends smart meter rollout, offers relief measures to consumers. Here’s why

The move comes amid wide scale opposition to the installation of prepaid smart meters across the state. Officials said the rollout is halted until a technical committee submits its report.

Six key things consumers must know:

Energy Minister A K Sharma on Sunday, during a review meeting at Shakti Bhawan in Lucknow, said:

1. Existing consumers of smart meters will continue to receive power supply for up to three days or until their dues reach Rs 200 for loads up to 2 KW — even if their prepaid balance is exhausted.
2. A transition cushion has been introduced for newly installed smart meters. Sharma said no disconnections will be carried out for up to 45 days — including a 15-day conversion period followed by 30 days — to allow consumers time to adapt to the prepaid system.
3. A five-stage SMS alert will be rolled out. Consumers will receive notifications when their balance drops to 30 per cent, 10 per cent, when it is exhausted, one day prior to disconnection, and after disconnection.
4. The minister also directed that electricity connections should not be disconnected on Sundays or public holidays, even if the balance turns negative, stressing a “humane approach” in service delivery.
5. Officials said a consumer awareness campaign has also been launched across platforms, alongside the release of a smart prepaid meter FAQ document to address misconceptions and provide guidance.
6. For grievance redressal, the power department has strengthened its helpline services, including the toll-free number 1912, the UPPCL website, and a WhatsApp chatbot, with regional contact numbers also made available.

A government spokesperson said the decisions come amid rising feedback from consumers regarding billing transparency, balance deductions and service continuity under the smart meter regime.

Officials said the decision aims to address complaints and ease consumer concerns around the smart metering system. Authorities have been instructed to monitor complaints daily and ensure prompt resolution.

Officials said a four-member technical committee comprising experts from IIT Kanpur, ERDA Vadodara and UP Power Corporation has been tasked with examining the technical quality and performance of smart meters; it is likely to submit its findings within 10 days.