Technical Glitch in UP Smart Meter System Blocks Bill Access for 8.48 Lakh Consumers
A significant technical malfunction in Uttar Pradesh's smart prepaid metering infrastructure has left at least 8.48 lakh electricity consumers unable to access their outstanding bills through the official UPPCL Smart App or portal. This disruption comes at a critical juncture as the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) intensifies enforcement of disconnection protocols for unpaid dues, sparking widespread concern among affected users.
Mounting Dues and Disconnection Threats
The system failure has compounded financial pressures, with 5.03 lakh consumers collectively owing ₹212.13 crore in basic charges, alongside an additional ₹434.9 crore in arrears that continue to accumulate. State-wide, Uttar Pradesh has deployed 61.64 lakh smart meters, of which 47.43 lakh currently operate in prepaid mode. A recent AMISP review under the RDSS smart metering project, conducted on January 16, revealed a sharp increase in outstanding balances, with 31.79 lakh consumers now carrying a combined debt of ₹1,097 crore—a substantial rise from the ₹904.16 crore reported just one month prior.
Strict Disconnection Rules Implemented
In response to the escalating dues, UPPCL has issued stringent directives to initiate disconnections for consumers exceeding permissible payment limits. The new regulations stipulate:
- LMV-1 (up to 2 kW) and LMV-2 (up to 1 kW) domestic consumers will face disconnection if balances remain unpaid for over 30 days.
- Reconnection mandates clearing at least 50% of the outstanding amount, excluding arrears adjustments.
- Consumers recharging 50–75% of pending dues receive a three-day window to complete top-ups, while those paying 75–100% get seven days.
- Failure to settle payments within these timelines results in immediate re-disconnection, with such relaxation offered only once per consumer.
For all other consumer categories, disconnection occurs immediately after grace periods expire. An interim seven-day emergency credit has been approved to ease the transition, though reconnection remains contingent on full payment compliance.
Automated Arrear Recovery Mechanism Activated
UPPCL has also activated an automated arrear-recovery system, deducting a fixed percentage from every recharge to offset old dues. Under this mechanism:
- LMV-1 domestic consumers face 10–25% deductions per recharge, scaled based on outstanding amounts.
- All other consumer categories encounter a flat 25% deduction from each recharge.
Consumer Backlash and Transparency Demands
The aggressive disconnection drive has triggered criticism from consumer advocacy groups. Avadhesh Kumar Verma, chairman of the UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, highlighted that the technical fault specifically impacts consumers across three discoms—DVVNL, PuVVNL, and KESCo—rendering them unable to verify balances. "Without transparency, any action based on a negative balance is unjustified," Verma asserted, demanding a suspension of disconnections until technical issues are fully resolved. Officials have assured that repairs are underway, with faults expected to be rectified by month-end, though the timeline remains tight amid growing consumer anxiety.
