UP Government To Replace 11.32 Lakh Old Smart Meters With Prepaid Ones Under RDSS; Work To Be Completed By 2027

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation has decided to replace 11.32 lakh out of 12.04 lakh smart meters installed by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with new smart prepaid meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) by March 2027.

The old meters, running on outdated 2G technology, have been plagued by slow speed, frequent breakdowns and poor performance, defeating the very purpose of smart metering.

Massive Financial Burden On UPPCL

UPPCL has been paying EESL Rs 101 per meter per month, amounting to roughly Rs 137 crore annually or nearly Rs 959 crore over seven years for the 11.32 lakh active meters.

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The cost of installing new prepaid smart meters at the current rate of Rs 6,016 per meter will add another Rs 681 crore, taking the total additional expense to over Rs 1,600 crore.

Consumer Body Demands Action

Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council chairman Awadhesh Verma welcomed the replacement but demanded a high-level probe into the failed EESL project and strict action against officers and others responsible.

He pointed out that in August 2020, 1.58 lakh meters suddenly stopped working on Janmashtami day. The Electricity Regulatory Commission had then ordered conversion to 4G technology, and an STF probe was also ordered under the then Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma, but no concrete action was taken against those at fault.

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Consumers have been bearing the brunt of this failed project for years, Verma said, adding that accountability must now be fixed.