​Expert panel to probe smart meter complaints: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday took cognizance of complaints received from various districts regarding smart meters and directed a thorough investigation into the issue, underlining that consumers should not be penalised for faults not attributable to them.

Reviewing the functioning of the energy department, the CM made it clear that if a consumer is not at fault, their electricity connection must not be disconnected under any circumstances.

Reiterating that public trust is central to the success of power sector reforms, Yogi stressed that smart metering programme must strengthen transparency and confidence.

The CM instructed officials to ensure a more transparent, reliable and consumer-friendly billing and payment system so that bills are issued on time and without discrepancies. He emphasised prompt, impartial and time-bound resolution of complaints, stating that grievance redressal mechanisms should function effectively at every level.

To assess ground realities firsthand, Yogi directed the power minister and the UPPCL managing director to visit the field, inspect arrangements and ensure swift resolution of consumer issues.

He said that toll-free helplines must remain fully active and complaints received through call centres, online portals, social media and WhatsApp be addressed without delay.

While reviewing the broader status of the power sector, the CM said that uninterrupted, quality and transparent power supply is government’s top priority. He directed accelerated implementation of smart metering, reduction in technical and commercial losses, digitisation of consumer services and improvement in revenue collection, ensuring that reforms benefit the last consumer.

Officials informed the CM that electricity consumers in the state have increased from 1.65 crore in 2017 to more than 3.71 crore in 2026. During the same period, electricity load rose by about 80% and energy sales by 63%. Over 84 lakh smart meters have been installed so far, while feeder metering has achieved nearly 95% progress.​

Expressing satisfaction with improvements in the performance of distribution companies, the CM directed further strengthening of distribution infrastructure and improvement in national ratings of discoms. He instructed that transformer replacement be expedited and that new electricity poles and underground cabling adhere strictly to technical standards.

Regarding rural areas, the Chief Minister directed that electrification be ensured even in hamlets with a minimum of 05 houses. He also instructed that works related to double group supply and agricultural feeder separation be completed within the stipulated time to address overloading issues. Under consumer services, directions were given to further strengthen grievance redressal systems through the 1912 call center, online portal, social media, and WhatsApp, and to implement the single window model on a wider scale.

Yogi directed that all thermal units be operated at full capacity and that necessary preparations be ensured in view of summer demand. He said all issues related to production should be resolved within a set timeframe.

The CM directed that new projects of 5,600MW, including Meja, Obra-D, and Anpara-E, be approved quickly and implemented within a stipulated timeframe. He also instructed to expedite 500MW solar and 50MW floating solar projects and to complete the ongoing survey for nuclear power at the earliest.

In the renewable energy sector, the CM directed for the effective and timely implementation of all schemes.