UP Government Suspends Smart Meter Rollout Amid Public Opposition
The Uttar Pradesh government has temporarily halted the rollout of prepaid smart electricity meters following widespread consumer opposition regarding billing transparency and service continuity. Energy Minister A K Sharma announced that a four-member technical committee, including experts from IIT Kanpur and ERDA Vadodara, will evaluate the meters' performance within ten days. To provide immediate relief, existing smart meter users with loads up to 2 KW will receive power for up to three days or until dues reach Rs 200, even with zero balance. New installations benefit from a 45-day transition period without disconnections. The government also introduced a five-stage SMS alert system for balance notifications and prohibited disconnections on Sundays and public holidays to ensure a humane approach. Additionally, consumer awareness campaigns and strengthened grievance redressal channels, including helplines and WhatsApp chatbots, have been launched to address misconceptions and resolve complaints promptly. This decision aims to balance technological modernization with consumer protection and trust.
Wire timeline
UP Government Suspends Smart Meter Rollout Amid Public Opposition
The Uttar Pradesh government has temporarily halted the rollout of prepaid smart electricity meters following widespread consumer opposition regarding billing transparency and service continuity. Energy Minister A K Sharma announced that a four-member technical committee, including experts from IIT Kanpur and ERDA Vadodara, will evaluate the meters' performance within ten days. To provide immediate relief, existing smart meter users with loads up to 2 KW will receive power for up to three days or until dues reach Rs 200, even with zero balance. New installations benefit from a 45-day transition period without disconnections. The government also introduced a five-stage SMS alert system for balance notifications and prohibited disconnections on Sundays and public holidays to ensure a humane approach. Additionally, consumer awareness campaigns and strengthened grievance redressal channels, including helplines and WhatsApp chatbots, have been launched to address misconceptions and resolve complaints promptly. This decision aims to balance technological modernization with consumer protection and trust.
The Indian Express