Uttar Pradesh Rolls Back Prepaid Smart Meters Amid Protests
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has officially rolled back its controversial prepaid smart electricity meter system following widespread public protests and political pressure. The administration announced that all smart meters will now function under a postpaid model, allowing consumers to receive monthly bills via SMS or WhatsApp and pay within a specified timeframe, effectively reverting to the previous billing structure. The decision addresses serious consumer grievances regarding inflated billing, unexplained deductions, lack of transparency, and sudden power disconnections. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma cited technical difficulties and public interest as primary reasons for the policy shift. This move represents a significant political retreat for the ruling BJP ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, as opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party, capitalized on the unrest to criticize the government. The rollback also follows clarification from Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that prepaid meters were not mandatory under central regulations. The government has paused further installation of prepaid meters and offered installment plans for outstanding dues, aiming to mitigate public anger and stabilize its political standing amidst accusations of anti-people governance.
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Uttar Pradesh Rolls Back Prepaid Smart Meters Amid Protests
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has officially rolled back its controversial prepaid smart electricity meter system following widespread public protests and political pressure. The administration announced that all smart meters will now function under a postpaid model, allowing consumers to receive monthly bills via SMS or WhatsApp and pay within a specified timeframe, effectively reverting to the previous billing structure. The decision addresses serious consumer grievances regarding inflated billing, unexplained deductions, lack of transparency, and sudden power disconnections. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma cited technical difficulties and public interest as primary reasons for the policy shift. This move represents a significant political retreat for the ruling BJP ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, as opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party, capitalized on the unrest to criticize the government. The rollback also follows clarification from Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that prepaid meters were not mandatory under central regulations. The government has paused further installation of prepaid meters and offered installment plans for outstanding dues, aiming to mitigate public anger and stabilize its political standing amidst accusations of anti-people governance.
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