Smart Meter Row in Uttar Pradesh: Prepaid System Requires Consumer Consent

Varanasi / Uttar Pradesh: A major update has surfaced regarding the installation of smart electricity meters in Uttar Pradesh, bringing renewed attention to consumer rights and regulatory compliance. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has clarified that smart meters can only be installed in prepaid or postpaid mode based on the explicit consent of the consumer.

According to the minister, households cannot be forced to adopt prepaid smart meters without providing written approval. The statement emphasizes that consumer choice must remain central to the smart meter installation process across the country.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumers Council has raised serious concerns over the issue. The council claims that nearly 7 million households in Uttar Pradesh may have been fitted with prepaid smart meters without their consent. Council chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma stated that if these claims are verified, it would constitute a violation of national electricity regulations as well as consumer protection laws.

The council has demanded that all such meters installed without proper approval be converted back to postpaid mode immediately. It has also called for transparency and strict adherence to established electricity regulations.

The matter is expected to be taken up before the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, where authorities will examine the allegations and determine appropriate action.

Consumers have been advised to carefully review and document their preference in writing when smart meters are installed in their homes. The development highlights the growing importance of balancing technological advancement with consumer rights, transparency, and accountability in the power sector.