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UP govt discontinues prepaid smart meters, shifts to postpaid with immediate effect
The Uttar Pradesh government announced the immediate discontinuation of smart prepaid electricity meters and conversion of existing devices to postpaid. The policy covers multiple distribution circles and introduces new billing, readings, and consumer support mechanisms.
Why It Matters
The move changes how consumers are billed and how meter readings are conducted, addressing protests over alleged billing irregularities and altering connection policies.
Timeline
9 Events
Context: Protests over excess billing and meter irregularities cited
May 8, 2026
The move follows growing protests in several districts over alleged excess billing and irregularities linked to smart prepaid meters installed under the RDSS.
1912 helpline arrangements for prompt grievance resolution
May 8, 2026
Special arrangements are being made through the 1912 helpline to ensure prompt resolution of consumer grievances related to meters and bills.
Special camps and assistance centres for complaints (May 15–June 30)
May 8, 2026
Special camps and assistance centres will be set up at the offices of executive engineer and sub-divisional officer from May 15 to June 30 to resolve complaints related to smart meters and electricity bills.
Security deposits recovered in four monthly installments
May 8, 2026
The security deposit amount, previously adjusted under prepaid, will now be recovered in four equal monthly installments in accordance with Electricity Supply Code-2005 and Cost Data Book-2026.
All new connections to be issued in smart postpaid mode
May 8, 2026
The government stated that all new electricity connections in the state will be issued only in smart postpaid mode.
Manual readings via AMISP for areas with reading issues
May 8, 2026
In areas where automatic smart meter readings cannot be obtained due to network or communication issues, manual readings will be taken through AMISP agencies to ensure timely billing.
Postpaid bills to be issued by 10th of every month; SMS/WhatsApp billing info
May 8, 2026
Officials said postpaid bills would be issued by the 10th of every month and consumers would receive billing information through SMS and WhatsApp.
May 2026 billing shifted to postpaid; bills for May to be issued in June
May 8, 2026
Under the postpaid system, billing will be based on electricity consumption and the bill for electricity used in May 2026 will be issued in June 2026.
Prepaid smart meters discontinued; move to postpaid with immediate effect
May 8, 2026
The Uttar Pradesh government announced it would discontinue the smart prepaid electricity meter system across the state and convert all smart meters to postpaid mode with immediate effect. Formal orders have been issued. The change covers Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Dakshinanchal, Pashchimanchal distribution corporations and KESCO Kanpur, and is expected to provide relief to consumers.