In a significant shift for electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh, the government has announced that users of prepaid smart meters will now receive a grace period of 15 days for recharging their meters, which aims to alleviate the pressure associated with timely payments.
This new policy comes as a response to previous issues where consumers faced abrupt power cuts when their balance ran out. Under the revised system, consumers will receive monthly bills similar to postpaid arrangements, allowing them to manage their electricity usage and payments more effectively.
Key developments include:
- Monthly bills will be issued based on electricity consumption from the first to the last day of each month.
- Consumers can pay outstanding bills from before April 30 in up to 10 easy installments.
- Bills will be sent directly to mobile devices via SMS and WhatsApp, enhancing accessibility.
The energy minister, A.K. Sharma, expressed that this initiative was taken with consumer convenience in mind. He stated, “This step has been taken keeping in mind the convenience of consumers.” He further added that the new billing system would simplify processes and ensure timely information regarding bills.
Moreover, consumers will have access to a dedicated portal (1912) for registering complaints related to smart meters and billing issues. To address these concerns effectively, the government has decided to set up special camps aimed at resolving problems associated with smart meters and billing processes.
Authorities have also issued strict directives regarding electricity supply management, indicating a comprehensive effort to improve service quality. As officials implement these changes, it remains crucial for consumers to adapt to the new billing system and take advantage of the extended payment period.
