UPERC seeks UPPCL reply on forced prepaid smart meters

tnnLucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has stepped in over mounting complaints against discoms for allegedly forcing consumers to switch to prepaid smart meters and has directed the state Power Corporation (UPPCL) to submit a detailed response within 10 days.The move follows an application filed by the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, which accused power utilities of violating legal provisions and misleading consumers.According to the complaint, discoms are issuing new connections only in prepaid mode and converting existing postpaid connections under RDSS without obtaining consumer consent.The commission had sought an explanation from the managing director and chairman of UPPCL. A notice was served on Thursday by the regulatory body following approval from Chairman Arvind Kumar.Officials have been asked to clarify whether the rollout of prepaid smart meters complies with Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003, and guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority.At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the cost data book, particularly point 5 of chapter 4. The consumer advocacy group claims discoms are misinterpreting and misusing its provisions to justify mandatory prepaid billing, which it says is not supported by law.“The provision of the cost data book has to be read with Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003, which clearly gives consumers the power to choose between prepaid and postpaid connections. How can the discom decide what billing mode must be allotted to consumers?” said UPRVUP Chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma, adding that a contempt petition has already been filed over alleged breaches of the Electricity Act.