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UP converts prepaid meters to postpaid and introduces instalment relief, camps for billing issues
The Uttar Pradesh energy minister announced that prepaid smart meters will operate as postpaid, with monthly bills due within 15 days. The policy includes an instalment plan for dues up to April 30, billing camps, and four-installment recovery of deposits for those moved from prepaid. The decision also calls for uninterrupted power supply, faster transformer replacements, and confirmations from consumer groups supporting the shift to postpaid meters for existing and new connections.
Why It Matters
This marks a significant policy shift in UP’s energy management amid widespread protests, affecting billing, deposits, and meter types for existing and new connections.
Timeline
6 Events
Consumer group applauds policy; confirms postpaid for existing prepaid and postpaid meters for new connections
May 5, 2026
Awadhesh Kumar Verma of UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad called the decision a consumer victory, stating that all prepaid connections would be converted to postpaid and new connections would come with postpaid meters, thanking the chief minister.
Directive to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prompt transformer replacement
May 5, 2026
Officials were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prompt replacement of damaged transformers.
Security deposits from prepaid shifts to be recovered in four instalments
May 5, 2026
Security deposits, refunded at the time of shifting to prepaid, will now be recovered in four instalments.
Special camps for billing issues announced for May and June
May 5, 2026
Officials will hold special camps in May and June at sub-division levels to address billing issues. Consumers can lodge complaints on 1912.
Prepaid meters to operate as postpaid; monthly bills by 10th with 15-day payment window
May 5, 2026
Energy minister AK Sharma announced that prepaid meters would be converted to postpaid in Uttar Pradesh. Bills will be issued by the 10th of every month, with 15 days allowed for payment. New connections will come with postpaid meters.
Outstanding dues up to April 30 to be paid in 10 instalments
April 30, 2026
To ease the burden on consumers, outstanding dues up to April 30 can be paid in 10 instalments.