CM Yogi Adityanath Directs Probe Into Smart Meter Complaints Across Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken serious note of numerous complaints regarding smart meters received from various districts in Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, he ordered a comprehensive investigation into the issue, firmly stating that consumers must not be penalized for faults that are not attributable to them.
Review of Energy Department and Consumer Protection Directives
While reviewing the functioning of the state's energy department, the Chief Minister made it unequivocally clear that if a consumer is not at fault, their electricity connection should not be disconnected under any circumstances. He reiterated that public trust is fundamental to the success of power sector reforms, emphasizing that the smart metering program must enhance transparency and build confidence among citizens.
The CM instructed officials to develop a more transparent, reliable, and consumer-friendly billing and payment system. This initiative aims to ensure that electricity bills are issued promptly and without discrepancies. Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of prompt, impartial, and time-bound resolution of all consumer complaints, asserting that grievance redressal mechanisms must function effectively at every administrative level.
Field Inspections and Enhanced Complaint Resolution Systems
To assess ground realities firsthand, the Chief Minister directed the state's Power Minister and the Managing Director of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to conduct field visits. They are tasked with inspecting arrangements on the ground and ensuring swift resolution of consumer issues.
He emphasized that toll-free helplines must remain fully operational, and complaints received through call centers, online portals, social media platforms, and WhatsApp should be addressed without any delay. During the broader review of the power sector's status, Yogi Adityanath stated that providing uninterrupted, high-quality, and transparent power supply remains the government's top priority.
Accelerating Power Sector Reforms and Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate the implementation of smart metering across the state. He also called for a reduction in technical and commercial losses, digitization of consumer services, and improvements in revenue collection. These measures are intended to ensure that the benefits of power sector reforms reach the last consumer in the supply chain.
Officials informed the CM that the number of electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh has surged from 1.65 crore in 2017 to more than 3.71 crore in 2026. During this same period, electricity load increased by approximately 80%, and energy sales rose by 63%. To date, over 84 lakh smart meters have been installed, while feeder metering has achieved nearly 95% progress.
Strengthening Distribution Infrastructure and Expanding Rural Electrification
Expressing satisfaction with the improved performance of distribution companies (discoms), the Chief Minister directed further strengthening of distribution infrastructure. He also emphasized the need to enhance the national ratings of these discoms. Specific instructions were given to expedite transformer replacements and ensure that new electricity poles and underground cabling strictly adhere to technical standards.
Regarding rural areas, Yogi Adityanath directed that electrification be ensured even in small hamlets with a minimum of five houses. He instructed that works related to double group supply and agricultural feeder separation be completed within stipulated timeframes to effectively address overloading issues.
Enhancing Consumer Services and Boosting Power Generation Capacity
Under consumer services, directions were issued to further strengthen grievance redressal systems through the 1912 call center, online portals, social media, and WhatsApp. The implementation of a single window model on a wider scale was also emphasized to streamline processes.
The Chief Minister directed that all thermal power units operate at full capacity, with necessary preparations made to meet the anticipated surge in summer demand. He stated that all production-related issues should be resolved within set timeframes.
Yogi Adityanath also directed quick approval and implementation of new power projects totaling 5,600 MW, including Meja, Obra-D, and Anpara-E. He instructed officials to expedite 500 MW solar and 50 MW floating solar projects, and to complete the ongoing survey for nuclear power at the earliest. In the renewable energy sector, the CM called for effective and timely implementation of all schemes to diversify the state's energy mix.
