UP Reduces Connection Costs, Smart Meter Rates For New Electricity Consumers

In a major relief for new electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) on Wednesday, the last day of 2025, announced significant reductions in connection costs and smart meter rates, along with a simplified process for obtaining new electricity connections.

The UPERC issued the Cost Data Book-2025, outlining revised charges for processing fees, security deposits, supply affording charges, material costs, and smart meters. The commission has directed the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) to update its software in line with the new rates by January 12.

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Under the new guidelines, new connections up to 300 metres and a load of 150 kW (excluding private tubewells) no longer require estimates, replacing the previous system that required estimates beyond 40 metres. Fixed supply affording charges have been introduced to speed up the connection process.

Benefits for farmers and lifeline consumers:

-Farmers can now avail electricity via an independent three-phase 16 kVA or single-phase 10 kVA transformer.

-Lifeline consumers (up to 100 metres) can pay an advance of Rs 500, with the balance in 12 monthly instalments of Rs 45.

-Zero security deposit is allowed for Lifeline consumers.

Smart meter rates slashed:

-Single-phase smart meters are now priced at Rs 2,800 (previously Rs 6,016).

-Three-phase smart meters are priced at Rs 4,100 (previously Rs 11,342).

-Consumers can opt to pay the meter cost in instalments or upfront to avoid interest.

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The commission also maintained the shared cost of transformation for private tubewell consumers at 33.3 per cent and allowed bank guarantees for security deposits above Rs 20 lakh.

The Cost Data Book allows for increased load release at 11 kV from three MVA to four MVA and will remain valid for two years, with adjustments allowed only for material costs based on WPI changes.

This move is expected to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and promote electricity access for residents, farmers, and businesses across Uttar Pradesh.