UP converts prepaid smart metres to postpaid; monthly billing, 15-day payment window for consumers

Dedicated contact numbers have been provided for different regions to address billing-related issues, including Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Paschimanchal, Dakshinanchal and Kanpur zones.

Officials have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply as per schedule, with transformers replaced immediately in case of breakdowns to avoid consumer inconvenience.

For security deposits refunded after shifting from postpaid to prepaid metres, the amount will now be recovered in four installments instead of lump sum.

Special camps will be organised at division and sub-division levels in May and June for resolution of smart metre-related billing complaints.

Consumers will be allowed to clear outstanding dues till April 30 in up to 10 installments.

Consumers who have changed their mobile numbers can update them to continue receiving bill alerts.

Consumers who do not receive bills on time can access them through WhatsApp chatbots by sharing their connection number or by registering complaints on the 1912 portal.

Under the revised system, electricity bills will be generated for consumption from the first to the last day of each month and will be delivered to consumers by the 10th. A payment window of 15 days from the date of billing will be provided, with the due date clearly indicated as earlier.

The Uttar Pradesh government announced that all prepaid smart metres will now function as postpaid meters, enabling monthly billing with a 15-day payment window. The billing approach will mirror the earlier postpaid system; bills will be delivered via SMS and WhatsApp, and the change is expected to benefit lakhs of consumers statewide.