Uttar Pradesh's Free Electricity Scheme Struggles to Enroll Private Tubewell Farmers
In Lucknow, a critical gap persists in Uttar Pradesh's flagship free electricity initiative, as a substantial number of farmers operating private tubewells remain excluded from the program, now in its third year of operation. The state, which boasts an estimated 15.64 lakh private tubewell electricity connections, has seen only 10.58 lakh farmers register to access the scheme's benefits. This leaves approximately 5.06 lakh agriculturalists unregistered and unable to receive free power, highlighting significant implementation challenges.
Eligibility Barriers and Outstanding Dues Hinder Participation
Launched on April 1, 2023, the scheme provides 140 free electricity units per kW per month to users of private agricultural pumps. However, eligibility mandates that farmers clear all outstanding electricity dues up to March 31, 2023, and ensure a functional meter is installed on their connections. As of January 31, 2026, meters have been fitted on about 10.74 lakh tubewell connections, yet many consumers continue to grapple with pending bills.
Official records reveal that private tubewell farmers collectively owe Rs 5,549 crore in unpaid electricity charges, identified as a primary factor behind the sluggish registration rates. "Under the Electricity Bill Relief Scheme 2025-26, we have given ample opportunities for defaulters to settle dues and avail concessions," stated an official source, noting that numerous farmers have not fulfilled the dues-payment requirement.
Concerns Raised by Consumer Advocacy Groups
Expressing alarm over the situation, Avadhesh Kumar Verma, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad and a member of the UPERC advisory committees, emphasized that excluding nearly five lakh farmers from a major welfare scheme in an agriculture-centric state is deeply troubling. He urged the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) and the state government to conduct a thorough review of the scheme's execution.
Verma stressed the necessity to identify on-ground realities preventing farmer registrations and proposed several measures:
- Relaxing bill-payment norms to ease financial burdens.
- Simplifying the registration process to enhance accessibility.
- Improving transparency in scheme operations.
- Implementing district-level outreach campaigns to locate eligible but excluded farmers and integrate them into the program.
Parallel Relief Efforts Show Positive Response
Meanwhile, UPPCL reported a robust uptake of the Electricity Bill Relief Scheme 2025-26, which operated from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This initiative offered substantial concessions for LMV-1 domestic consumers (up to 2 kW) and LMV-2 commercial consumers (up to 1 kW) categorized as ‘never paid' or ‘long unpaid'. By January 31, 2026, 41.59 lakh consumers had registered, generating Rs 4,307 crore in revenue.
The state provided significant financial relief by waiving Rs 6,007.5 crore in late payment surcharges and Rs 1,381.7 crore in principal dues, including assistance in 85,737 cases involving electricity theft.
Advancements in UPPCL's Commercial Operations
UPPCL also highlighted progress in its broader commercial activities, noting enhancements in:
- New connections issuance.
- Metering and billing systems.
- Revenue management strategies.
- Reduction of line and AT&C losses, supported by improved digital processes.
For connections above 20 kW, the Nivesh Mitra portal facilitated the release of 6,034 connections in both 2023-24 and up to January 2025-26. The Jhatpat portal, handling loads up to 20 kW, issued 18.51 lakh connections in 2023-24, 18.88 lakh in 2024-25, and 11.71 lakh by January 2026, demonstrating ongoing efforts to streamline electrical services across the state.
