The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) has rejected claims that its tariff order bars the conversion of smart meters to prepaid mode without consumer consent, stating that such interpretations are incorrect and misleading.

Clarifying its position, UPPCL said the tariff order merely records that public interest litigations challenging mandatory prepaid smart meters are pending before various High Courts. In view of this, the Electricity Regulatory Commission has emphasised that consumers must be provided with accurate and functional meters, irrespective of whether they operate in prepaid or postpaid mode. In case of any doubts over performance, meters can be tested under provisions of the Supply Code.

The power utility further stated that Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003 does not grant consumers the right to choose between prepaid and postpaid billing systems. According to UPPCL, the tariff order clearly mandates that all new electricity connections must be issued with smart meters.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), around 5 per cent of old, non-smart meters are being retained as check meters to build consumer confidence. UPPCL said 3.41 lakh such check meters have already been installed, and no instance of smart meters running fast has been found so far. The state has set a target of installing 20.73 million meters, of which 51.71 lakh smart meters are already operational.

UPPCL maintained that smart meters are safe and transparent, record actual consumption similar to electronic meters, and eliminate manual readings while enabling automated billing. Consumers using prepaid smart meters can track hourly consumption through the UPPCL Smart Consumer App, recharge digitally, receive balance alerts, and avail a 2 per cent tariff rebate.

Addressing concerns over disconnections, UPPCL said alerts are issued at 30 per cent, 10 per cent and zero balance levels, followed by a 30-day grace period and an additional three days after balance expiry. Disconnections are not carried out during evenings, holidays or Sundays.

Meanwhile, Avadhesh Kumar Verma, chairman, UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, alleged that UPPCL’s clarification on prepaid smart meters is misleading.

News source: MSN