U.P. Minister: prepaid smart meters tobe discontinued with immediate effect

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the smart prepaid electricity meter system across the State and convert the already installed devices to postpaid system with immediate effect, Energy Minister AK Sharma said on Friday.

The move comes amid growing protests in many districts over allegations of over-billing and irregularities linked to smart prepaid meters installed under the Renewed Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

In the official statement, it was said, “Consumers will receive an invoice after electricity consumption. The invoice for the electricity consumed in May 2026 will be issued within the scope of the invoice system in June 2026.”

Mr. Sharma said, “Keeping the convenience of electricity consumers at the forefront, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue the smart prepaid meter system operating in the state and switch all smart meters to postpaid mode. Official orders have already been issued. The new regulation to be implemented in Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Dakshinanchal and Pashchimanchal electricity distribution companies as well as KESCO Kanpur is expected to provide major relief to consumers.”

He said that postpaid invoices will be issued on the 10th of each month and consumers will receive billing information via SMS and WhatsApp.

“In regions where automatic smart meter readings cannot be received due to network or communication problems, manual readings will be made through AMISP agencies to ensure timely billing,” the statement said.

The minister added that all new electricity connections in the state will be provided only in smart postpaid mode. In the statement, “The deposit amount previously set in the prepaid system will now be collected in four equal monthly installments in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Supply Law-2005 and Cost Information Book-2026.” It was said.

The government also announced that special camps and help centers will be set up at executive engineer and circle officer offices from May 15 to June 30 to resolve complaints related to smart meters and electricity bills. In addition, special arrangements are made through the 1912 helpline in order to quickly resolve consumer grievances.