The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has clarified that smart meters are accurate and safe, rejecting claims that they inflate electricity bills.
The corporation has set a target of installing 2.73 crore smart meters across the state, of which 35 lakh have already been fitted. Officials said the project is a top priority of the Yogi government to provide transparent and reliable power services.
According to UPPCL, smart meters use the same technology as existing electronic meters, but with online reading and billing to ensure accuracy and remove human intervention. “A false narrative is being spread that smart meters run fast and inflate consumption. In reality, smart meters are completely safe, transparent, and consumer-friendly,” the official statement said.
As part of a statewide campaign on August 20, 550 meters were checked across Uttar Pradesh, including in Lucknow, where devices installed at the homes of several consumers were all found to be functioning correctly. “Not a single meter was found to be running abnormally,” officials confirmed.
Till August 15, over 34 lakh smart meters and 1.66 lakh check meters had been installed. Consumers with doubts can request a check meter, and inspection reports are being shared to ensure transparency.
UPPCL said prepaid smart meters also allow users to track hourly consumption through a mobile app, recharge from home, and avail a 2% tariff discount. Alerts are sent at 30%, 10% and zero balance levels, after which consumers get a 30-day grace period and three additional days before disconnection.
The corporation urged consumers not to believe rumours and to adopt the new system positively.