Smart meter consumers have got a big relief in Uttar Pradesh. Now electricity will be available for 3 days even at zero balance and after installation of the new meter the connection will not be disconnected for 45 days. The government has also constituted a committee to check meters.
Lucknow. The Energy Department is continuously active under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the convenience of electricity consumers and quick resolution of their problems in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation is working rapidly to resolve the complaints related to smart meters.
Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said that a new system has been implemented for smart meter consumers, under which even if there is zero balance, electricity supply will continue for a maximum of 3 days or up to Rs 200 (up to 2 kW load). This will provide great relief to consumers.
Electricity connection will not be cut for 45 days (Smart Meter Relief)
The Energy Minister clarified that for consumers who have recently installed smart meters, the electricity connection will not be disconnected for the conversion period of about 15 days and thereafter for 30 days i.e. a total of 45 days. This decision has been taken with the aim of giving time to consumers to understand the new system.
The process of changing old meters is currently postponed
Keeping in mind the questions arising regarding the technical quality of smart meters, the government has taken a big decision. The process of replacing old meters with smart meters has been stopped with immediate effect until the report of the technical committee formed on the instructions of the Chief Minister comes.
5-tier SMS alert system implemented
New 5-level SMS alert system to be implemented to provide timely information to consumers:
- First alert when balance reaches 30%
- Second alert at 10%
- Third alert when balance is exhausted
- Fourth alert 1 day before disconnection
- Fifth alert after connection disconnection
With this, consumers will be able to recharge on time and avoid power cuts.
High-level committee formed to investigate smart meters
A 4-member high level committee has been formed to check the quality of smart meters. It includes experts from IIT Kanpur and officials from technical institutes. The committee will submit its report within 10 days, on the basis of which further decisions will be taken.
Electricity will not be cut on holidays
The Energy Minister has directed that the electricity connection will not be disconnected even if the balance is negative on Sundays and other holidays. This will provide relief to consumers from unnecessary hassles.
Awareness campaign and consumer guide released
The government has issued a FAQ (guide) to provide information related to smart prepaid meters. Along with this, awareness campaigns are also being run through social media, print and electronic media, so that the misconceptions of the consumers can be removed.
Easy ways to lodge complaint
There are several options available for resolution of smart meter complaints:
- Toll free number: 1912
- Website: www.uppcl.org
- whatsapp chatbot
- Regional Number:
- Madhyanchal: 7669003409
- Paschimanchal: 7859804803
- Purvanchal: 8010968292
- Dakshinanchal: 8010957826
- Kesko: 8287835233
Officials have been instructed to monitor the complaints daily and ensure their prompt resolution.