​30-day grace for low-load smart prepaid meter users

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt has introduced changes to the smart prepaid electricity meter system, offering relief to lakhs of domestic consumers, particularly those from lower- and middle-income groups.Under the revised rules, households with electricity connections of up to 1 kW will continue to receive power for 30 days even if their prepaid balance runs out. Earlier, supply would be cut off after just three days of non-payment. This move is expected to benefit over 43 lakh users with 1 kW connections.Consumers with 2 kW connections will receive emergency credit, ensuring electricity supply continues for up to three days or until their balance reaches minus Rs 200, whichever happens first. If the balance crosses this limit without recharge, the connection will be disconnected automatically.Officials said around 83 lakh smart meters have been installed across the state so far. Of these, approximately 43.17 lakh belong to 1 kW consumers, while about 24.51 lakh are in the 2 kW category.The cost of electricity used during the emergency or grace period will be adjusted in the consumer's next recharge. The govt has also mandated five SMS alerts before disconnection.Moreover, electricity supply will not be disconnected between 6 pm and 8 am, nor on Sundays, second Saturdays or public holidays, even if the balance is exhausted. However, consumption during this time will still be billed in the next recharge.