UP smart meter update: Will apartment and society prepaid meters also shift to postpaid? Check full details here

The Uttar Pradesh government has discontinued the prepaid mode for smart electricity meters and shifted all individual domestic consumers to postpaid billing following widespread complaints about technical issues. However, the change will not apply to apartments and housing societies. According to clarification given by the electricity department helpline, apartment and society meters will continue to operate under the existing prepaid system. The decision, announced by Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to provide relief ahead of the summer season.

Major Relief for Individual Consumers

Out of 86.5 lakh smart meter consumers in the state, 83 lakh were on prepaid mode, mostly 1kW and 2kW domestic users. From now on, consumption from the 1st to the 30th of each month will be billed on a postpaid basis. Bills will be sent via SMS or WhatsApp, and no disconnections will be made during the billing cycle. Consumers with pending dues can pay in up to 10 installments.

Important Clarification for Apartments & Societies

In a conversation with the department helpline, they clearly stated that the shift to postpaid billing applies only to individual domestic consumers. Apartment complexes and housing societies will continue with the prepaid smart meter system as before. This distinction will bring relief to many apartment residents who were worried about sudden changes in billing patterns.

Other Key Decisions

• Replacement of old meters with new prepaid smart meters has been temporarily suspended.
• The government will continue resolving complaints related to already installed smart meters on priority.
• Consumers have been advised to update their mobile numbers for timely bill delivery.

(With agency inputs)