Lucknow: The smart prepaid meter system has been officially abolished in Uttar Pradesh following a major announcement by UP Energy Minister A.K. Sharma. Keeping in mind the widespread difficulties faced by the public, the government has decided to scrap the prepaid arrangement. Consequently, all smart meters currently installed in users’ homes will now operate strictly on a postpaid mode. Bills will be generated and paid according to the traditional system.
With public outrage growing over the prepaid smart meters, the Yogi Adityanath government had already indicated taking corrective steps to address the rising dissatisfaction. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma has now provided detailed information regarding this resolution.
What Did the Energy Minister Say?
Reiterating his consumer-first approach, Energy Minister A.K. Sharma stated, “I have always believed in ‘Upbhokta Devo Bhava’ (The Consumer is God).” Addressing the severe inconvenience faced by the public, he announced that a departmental decision has been made to ensure all smart meters function solely as postpaid meters. He emphasized that this crucial decision was taken to provide major relief to electricity consumers suffering from technical glitches associated with the prepaid system.
A Commendable and Pro-Consumer Leadership
Energy Minister A.K. Sharma deserves immense praise and appreciation for his prompt, empathetic, and decisive action in this matter. By actively listening to the public’s grievances and swiftly rolling back a problematic system, he has demonstrated highly responsive leadership. His proactive approach to ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the peak summer, along with his mandate to provide a 10-installment facility for clearing arrears, reflects a deep commitment to public welfare. By genuinely championing the ‘Consumer is God’ philosophy, Mr. Sharma has proven that he prioritizes the citizens’ comfort and convenience over rigid administrative processes.
Key Decisions Taken by the Government:
Postpaid Conversion: All existing smart meters will now function as normal or post-paid meters.
System Abolished: The pre-paid billing system is entirely discontinued across the state.
Digital Billing: Just like the previous monthly billing cycle, the bill for the 1st to the 30th of the month will be sent to consumers via SMS or WhatsApp within the first ten days of the following month.
Timely Payments: Consumers are requested to pay their bills within the stipulated timeframe after receiving them.
Update Details: Consumers are urged to update their registered phone numbers and pay attention to official messages from the electricity department.
No Disconnections: The department has been strictly instructed that electricity connections must not be cut during the middle of the month under any circumstances.
Installment Relief: Consumers with outstanding previous dues are being provided the facility to clear their arrears in 10 easy installments.
Installations Suspended: The ongoing process of replacing old meters with new smart-prepaid meters has been immediately suspended.
Priority Resolution: Any complaints related to recently installed smart meters will still be resolved on a priority basis.
Summer Action Plan: Following a high-level meeting at Shakti Bhawan, fresh directives were issued to the department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the harsh summer months.
Old Meters Will Continue to Function
The Energy Minister has clarified that the old meters will continue to operate in the state, meaning citizens are no longer required to install smart prepaid meters. Those who already have prepaid meters installed will automatically see them converted to postpaid mode. Consumers will be given adequate time to pay their electricity bills, and their power supply will not be cut off prematurely.
While appealing for cooperation from the consumers, the Energy Minister also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their support of this massive public-interest decision.
