UPPCL Triples Prepaid Connection Costs In Gorakhpur; Residents Forced To Pay Over Rs 6,000 For New Connections

Residents of the Mohaddipur block and Raptinagar area, Gorakhpur, have reported being charged significantly more for new electricity connections under the Electricity Corporation’s prepaid scheme.

Devanti Devi, who applied for a 2 kW domestic connection via the Jhatpat portal, was initially informed to pay around Rs 1,900. However, upon proceeding with the payment, her family was asked to deposit Rs 6,414. The receipt stated Rs 398 for line charges and Rs 6,016 for the meter cost. Similarly, Shivkumar, another applicant in Raptinagar, had to pay more than three times the expected amount, forcing him to borrow money to complete the transaction.

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The Electricity Consumers' Council has raised concerns, stating that although the Corporation claims the increased fee is for prepaid meters, the meters being installed are the same smart meters used earlier, replacing the older electronic meters. Consumers are being charged extra despite no change in the meter quality or type.

The Jhatpat portal still displays an option for postpaid connections, but applicants are informed later that only prepaid connections are allowed, adding to the confusion. 

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Avdhesh Kumar Verma, Chairperson of the Electricity Consumers’ Council, said that in 2019, the Electricity Regulatory Commission had set a rate of Rs 6,016 for non-smart prepaid meters. “Smart prepaid meters are being installed at the same rate, but the standards differ. This amounts to an overcharge on consumers,” he added.

The Council has filed a petition with the Electricity Regulatory Commission, protesting the higher charges imposed in the name of prepaid connections.