These days, the issue of electricity in Uttar Pradesh is no longer just a technical one, but has become a big social and political debate. Smart prepaid meters have been installed in about 75 lakh houses in the state, but the massive protests that started after this have raised question marks on the entire system.
Now that the Yogi government has immediately stopped the process of installing new smart meters by replacing the old meters, the biggest question is for those people who have already installed this meter in their homes. If you are also troubled by increased bills and sudden power cuts, then this news is for you only.
Smart meter or ‘headache’? Why did consumers get angry?
When smart prepaid meters were launched, they were touted as “honest” and high-tech devices. But the reality turned out to be different. The country’s largest smart meter installation has taken place in UP, where these meters have been installed in 75 lakh houses. Complaints poured in after people noticed that despite being recharged, the meter started showing ‘negative balance’ and the lights went off without any warning.
The situation was such that as soon as the meter was installed, electricity of about 5 lakh houses was cut off and people were forced to remain in darkness for several days even after recharging. People took to the streets from Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh to Mahoba and Banda of Bundelkhand. People were angry over the fact that new meters were being forcibly uprooted and installed without their consent and knowledge.
Big decision of Yogi government: Ban for now
In view of this public anger, the UP Electricity Department has taken a big step. On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the work of removing old meters and installing smart meters has been banned with immediate effect. The government has formed a four-member technical committee that will thoroughly investigate complaints about smart meter accuracy, billing software and over-billing.
Energy Minister AK Sharma has clarified that smart meters will be installed on new connections, but those who have old manual or postpaid meters will not be forced to do so. Besides, payment to meter installing companies has also been banned so that those working negligently can be controlled.
Consumer has legal rights: prepaid or postpaid?
Now the most important thing is can you get your meter replaced? The answer is-yes. Under Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003, consumers have the legal right to choose whether they want prepaid or postpaid mode. Uttar Pradesh Electricity Consumers Council has also raised this issue strongly with the Regulatory Commission (UPERC) so that in future meters are not imposed on anyone without consent.
What to do if the meter has been installed? Here are the ways of relief
If a smart prepaid meter has been installed in your home and you want to get rid of it, then you can try these options:
Demand to convert from prepaid to postpaid You can give a written application to the SDO or Executive Engineer (XEN) office of your area. Write your name, consumer number and address in it and request that your meter be changed from prepaid to postpaid mode. Do not forget to cite the notification of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) dated 1 April 2026 in the application, this will strengthen your case. Keep in mind that for this change you may have to deposit a security deposit of around Rs 2,000, which is refundable later.
Receipt and action deadlines While submitting the application, make sure to take its receipt which is signed and dated by the officer. If the department does not take any concrete steps within 7 to 10 days, you can take the matter to higher authorities.
Consumer Forum and Regulatory Commission Door If you are not heard at the district level, you can file a complaint in the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) or Consumer Court (Consumer Forum). Here you can not only get the meter mode changed but also demand compensation against wrong billing. Consumer Council is also continuously helping people in such matters so that the arbitrariness of the electricity department can be stopped.