• Source:JND

Consumers with smart prepaid meters will now receive their electricity bills via SMS. While dispatching the bills for November, the Electricity Department stated that if any consumer has not received their bill due to an incorrect mobile number, they can call the helpline at 1912. Additionally, consumers can visit division counters to update their registered mobile numbers.

Alerts And Discounts

SMS notifications also alert users about their remaining balance, ensuring they do not face difficulties in recharging on time. Furthermore, consumers are being offered a two percent discount on the electricity tariff.

Benefits And Grace Period

Amidst some opposition to prepaid smart meters, the Electricity Department is actively educating citizens about their benefits. Consumers receive SMS alerts when their recharged balance drops to 30 per cent, 10 per cent, and finally zero. Even after the balance is exhausted, a three-day grace period is provided for recharging. Notably, power connections are not disconnected between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am, nor on public holidays or Sundays.

Digital Solutions For Payment And Monitoring

To address financial issues caused by the delayed receipt of bills, the department has launched a mobile app. Information regarding outstanding balances and recharges is available on the app, preventing inconvenience for consumers. For timely payments and recharges, users can utilise the website uppcl.org, the UPPCL Smart App, CSC or Sahaj Bhim, PhonePe, Google Pay or visit departmental cash counters.

Real-Time Consumption

Tracking Daily electricity consumption details are available on the UPPCL Smart App. This feature allows consumers to view their usage on a daily or hourly basis and exercise control over it. By identifying which appliances consume the most electricity, users can turn them off to reduce their electricity bills.

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Installation And Accuracy Checks

So far, approximately 56 lakh smart meters have been installed in the state, of which about 36 lakh are prepaid. To ensure consumer satisfaction and verify the system's safety and transparency, five percent of old non-smart meters have been installed alongside them as "check meters." To date, no smart meter has been found to be running fast.

The department clarified that both electronic meters and smart meters record the exact same actual consumption. While electronic meters require a meter reader to generate bills, the smart meter system is online and automatic, completely eliminating external human interference.

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