UP Government Ends Prepaid Smart Meter System, Shifts Consumers to Postpaid Billing

• UP smart meter users will now receive monthly postpaid electricity bills
• Power disconnections during the monthly billing cycle have been restricted
• Consumers with pending dues can pay bills in up to 10 installments

Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the prepaid system for smart electricity meters and shift all users to a postpaid billing model. The move comes after months of complaints from consumers regarding technical glitches, unexpected deductions, recharge difficulties, and billing-related confusion linked to prepaid smart meters.

The decision was announced on Monday by Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma, following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Under the revised arrangement, smart electricity meters will now function like conventional postpaid meters, where consumers will receive a monthly bill instead of paying electricity charges in advance.

The change is expected to benefit lakhs of households across the state, especially low-income and middle-class consumers who faced difficulties managing regular prepaid recharges. According to government data, Uttar Pradesh currently has around 86.5 lakh smart meter consumers, out of which nearly 83 lakh users were operating under the prepaid system. A large share of these consumers belong to the 1kW and 2kW domestic electricity category.

Under the new billing mechanism, electricity usage from the 1st to the 30th of every month will be calculated in the normal manner, and consumers will receive their bills within the next ten days through SMS or WhatsApp. Payments can then be made within the prescribed due date, similar to traditional electricity billing systems.

The state government has also directed power distribution companies to ensure that electricity connections are not disconnected during the ongoing monthly billing cycle under any circumstances. This instruction comes as part of the government’s effort to reduce public inconvenience and improve consumer confidence in the smart meter rollout process.

Another major relief announced by the government is for consumers with outstanding electricity dues. Such users will now be allowed to clear pending payments in up to 10 installments, reducing the immediate financial burden on households struggling with unpaid bills.

The energy department has temporarily halted the replacement of old electricity meters with new prepaid smart meters until further notice. However, officials clarified that complaints and technical issues related to already installed smart meters will continue to be addressed on priority.

Consumers have also been advised to update their registered mobile numbers with the electricity department to ensure they receive timely billing alerts, service notifications, and other important communication through digital platforms like SMS and WhatsApp.

The decision gains significance as Uttar Pradesh prepares for the peak summer season, when electricity demand typically rises sharply due to increased use of cooling appliances. During a review meeting held at Shakti Bhawan, the energy minister instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state and avoid inconvenience to consumers during periods of high power consumption.

The Uttar Pradesh government has repeatedly stated that consumer convenience remains at the center of its power sector reforms. Officials said the administration will continue reviewing feedback from the public regarding smart meter implementation and take corrective measures wherever required.

The move has also been welcomed by consumer groups and electricity rights activists. Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma praised the government’s decision, calling it a major relief for consumers. However, he also demanded that FIRs registered against farmers and other individuals who protested against smart metering issues in different parts of the state should now be withdrawn.

The transition from prepaid to postpaid smart metering is expected to reduce consumer dissatisfaction while allowing the government to continue its broader smart power infrastructure modernization plans in a more user-friendly manner.