UPPCL To Introduce Prepaid Electricity System From October; Consumers To Get Alerts, Discounts

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) will roll out a prepaid electricity system from October, offering greater convenience, transparency, and savings for consumers. The corporation has shared details on how the new system will operate and the benefits it brings.

Consumers’ security deposits paid at the time of getting a connection will be adjusted against electricity bills once the prepaid system is implemented, allowing users to consume electricity equivalent to their deposit. In case of outstanding arrears, the deposit will first be adjusted against previous bills, and electricity will not be disconnected for one month. 

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Before disconnection, three alerts will be sent to the registered mobile number: when 30 per cent of the balance remains, at 10 per cent, and at zero balance. Monthly notifications will also be sent at the start of every month.

Consumers with outstanding postpaid bills can pay in a lump sum or in instalments through departmental counters, the UPPCL Smart Consumer mobile app, the official website (www.uppcl.org), or via digital platforms such as Paytm, Google Pay, UPI, and Jan Suvidha Kendras.

UPPCL clarified that prepaid electricity will be cheaper than postpaid, as consumers receive a two per cent discount on the prescribed electricity tariff. Bills will be based on actual energy consumption, with details available on the app.

Interest will be charged on arrears if a lump sum payment is not made after the prepaid implementation. For domestic connections, a portion of each recharge will go toward clearing arrears:

• Up to Rs 10,000 arrears: 10 per cent of each recharge
• Rs 10,001–15,000: 15 per cent
• Rs 15,001–20,000: 20 per cent
• Over Rs 20,000: 25 per cent

For commercial and other connections, 25 per cent of each recharge will be adjusted against arrears. Consumers will also receive mobile alerts for every recharge, bill payment, and disconnection. Prepaid balances can be viewed on the meter display and mobile app.

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Prepaid electricity will not be disconnected between 6 PM and 8 AM, during the grace period, emergency credit period, public holidays, and Sundays. Even after balance exhaustion, an additional three days of emergency credit will be provided.

The app will provide:

• Monthly, daily, and hourly consumption details
• Postpaid arrears and prepaid balance info
• Recharge and arrears payment
• Monthly bills and prepaid statements
• Daily deductions overview
• Complaint lodging

“The prepaid system is convenient and affordable, allowing consumers to use electricity as per their needs while promoting savings,” said Ashutosh Srivastava, Chief Engineer, UPPCL.