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U.P. Government Discontinues Smart Prepaid Electricity Meters | AirNews

Uttar PradeshSmart Prepaid Electricity MetersPostpaid SystemEnergy Minister A.K. SharmaRevamped Distribution Sector Scheme

U.P. Government Discontinues Smart Prepaid Electricity Meters

about 19 hours ago

Published: May 8, 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to discontinue smart prepaid electricity meters across the state with immediate effect, citing consumer concerns over excess billing and irregularities. The already-installed devices will be converted to postpaid, with consumers receiving bills after electricity consumption.

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 with immediate effect, Energy Minister A.K. Sharma said on Friday. The move comes amid growing protests in several districts over alleged excess billing and irregularities linked to smart prepaid meters installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

The new postpaid system will involve consumers receiving bills after electricity consumption, with the bill for electricity consumed in May 2026 to be issued in June 2026. Postpaid bills will be issued by the 10th of every month, and consumers will receive billing information through SMS and WhatsApp.

The government has also announced that 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 for the resolution of complaints related to smart meters and electricity bills. Additionally, special arrangements are being made through the 1912 helpline to ensure prompt resolution of consumer grievances.

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision is expected to provide major relief to consumers, with all new electricity connections in the state to be issued only in smart postpaid mode. The court will not be involved in this matter as it is an administrative decision, however, the government will monitor the situation and take further actions if necessary.