UP Consumers Report Higher Bills After Smart Metre Installation; Council Flags Technical Flaws

Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) may be pushing aggressively for smart prepaid meters, but consumer complaints against them are steadily rising. Along with allegations that these meters are running faster than normal, consumers are now reporting unexplained load increases of up to 10 per cent.

Raising serious concerns over the issue, the UP State Electricity Consumer Council has questioned the quality of the smart prepaid meters and demanded a third-party audit from the state government and the Power Corporation. Council president Avdhesh Verma presented three months’ data showing consistent complaints from consumers, who say their electricity bills have gone up after the installation of these meters.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru: Businessman Stabbed Multiple Times By Former Employee During Alleged Robbery Attempt

Verma said the increase in bills can stem from only two reasons — either the consumer is drawing more load or the meter is recording a higher reading. Citing discrepancies in the data, he said the performance and quality of these meters vary widely across companies, indicating possible technical faults.

According to the council’s findings, Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam has installed 16,95,816 smart prepaid meters, of which 1,35,982 have shown up to a 10 per cent load increase. In Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, 80,875 of the 10,49,029 meters installed recorded higher load over three months. 

ALSO READ: UP SIR: Here’s How To Verify Your Name Online; Check Steps To Follow And Documents Required

Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam reported load increases on 11,174 out of 11,45,566 meters. In KESCo Kanpur, 155 out of 70,962 meters showed increased load, while in Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, 42,212 out of 9,33,101 meters reflected the same issue.

Verma said the figures clearly highlight non-uniform standards and performance in meters supplied by different companies. He urged UPPCL management to order a comprehensive third-party audit to rectify faulty billing, fix accountability, and take strict action against companies found responsible.