UP Electricity Consumer Council Seeks Contempt Action Against Power Companies Over Smart Meter Overcharging

The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council has demanded contempt proceedings against electricity companies accused of installing smart pre-paid meters without approval and overcharging consumers.

Council President Avdhesh Kumar Verma alleged that power companies are charging consumers Rs 6,016 instead of Rs 872 for installing smart pre-paid meters, without obtaining permission from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) or consent from consumers.

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Verma said that the council had earlier filed a petition with the commission regarding the issue. However, during a meeting held on Wednesday with Commission Chairman Arvind Kumar and Member Sanjay Kumar Singh, the council also raised concerns over violations of the Cost Data Book by the companies. He urged the commission to announce a hearing date in the contempt case soon.

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According to Verma, as per the Regulatory Commission regulations, underprivileged consumers are entitled to receive a 1 kW electricity connection for Rs 1,032. However, the electricity companies are reportedly charging Rs 6,176 from rural consumers and Rs 6,464 from urban consumers for the installation of smart pre-paid meters.