Big Relief In UP: Smart Prepaid Meters To Work Like Postpaid, 15-Day Bill Window

Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a major decision for electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing the problems previously encountered with prepaid smart metres, the government has directed that prepaid smart meters will function like postpaid ones. This means consumers will receive a bill every month and will be given 15 days to pay it.

What is the reason of the decision?

This government decision will directly provide relief to the general public. Many consumers have been complaining that electricity is cut off as soon as the balance in their prepaid metre runs out, causing unexpected problems. 

Now, the new system will largely alleviate such problems. Energy Minister AK Sharma stated that this decision was made with consumer convenience in mind. He added that the billing system will now be as simple as before, and people will receive timely bill information.

How will consumers receive electricity bill?

Under the new system, electricity consumption will be calculated from the first to the last day of each month. After this, each consumer will be sent their bill by the 10 of each month. This bill will be delivered directly to their mobile phone via SMS and WhatsApp. 

This will eliminate the need for people to travel anywhere and provide timely information. The most comforting aspect is that after receiving the bill, they will be given 15 days to pay. This means there will be no need to rush to recharge.

What to do if consumer doesn't receive the bill?

If a consumer doesn't receive their bill on time, they don't need to worry. They can retrieve their bill by sending their connection number through the WhatsApp. Additionally, they can also access their bill by filing a complaint on the 1912 portal. 

Those who have changed their mobile number can update it and re-use the bill alert facility. The government has also made a significant decision regarding past dues. Consumers can now pay their outstanding bills up to April 30 in 10 installments. This means that those with large outstanding dues won't need to pay the entire amount at once; they can easily pay in installments.

Is there an ease of depositing security?

Consumers who previously had their prepaid meters replaced with postpaid meters and whose security deposit was refunded will now have that amount reimbursed under the new system. 

However, relief is provided here as well. This money will not be collected all at once, but will be deposited in four installments. This will prevent a sudden financial burden on residents. Special camps will be held in May and June to resolve complaints related to smart metres and billing. These camps will be held at the division and subdivision levels, where consumers can directly report their problems. Additionally, the online complaint facility will continue, allowing people to register their complaints from home.