The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all electricity distribution companies in the state to shift smart electricity meters from prepaid to postpaid mode, ending the smart prepaid billing system that had been implemented under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The new arrangement will come into effect immediately, and consumers are expected to start receiving postpaid bills from June 2026 for electricity consumed during May.





The decision applies to smart meters installed under all major distribution companies in the state, including Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Dakshinanchal and Pashchimanchal power corporations, along with KESCO in Kanpur. According to officials, all future electricity connections issued in Uttar Pradesh will also operate under the smart postpaid system.





Energy Minister A.K. Sharma said the move was taken following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and aimed at addressing consumer concerns linked to prepaid billing. Under the revised system, consumers will receive bills after electricity consumption instead of recharging in advance. Monthly bills are expected to be issued by the 10th of every month and shared through SMS and WhatsApp services.





Officials stated that in areas where smart meters face communication or network-related problems, manual meter readings will be conducted through authorized agencies to avoid delays in billing. The government has also instructed distribution companies to update consumer mobile numbers in cases where records are missing or incorrect, as digital communication will play a major role in the billing process.





Consumers will be able to access their electricity bills through WhatsApp chatbots operated by distribution companies and through the 1912 electricity helpline. The state government has also announced that security deposits previously adjusted under the prepaid system will now be added back to bills in four equal monthly installments.





The payment structure for consumers will remain similar to the earlier postpaid system. Domestic consumers will continue to receive 15 days to clear their bills, followed by a seven-day disconnection notice period in case of non-payment. Delayed payment surcharges will apply according to existing electricity supply regulations and tariff orders.





As part of the transition, the government has introduced an installment facility for pending dues. Domestic consumers with unpaid electricity bills up to April 30, 2026, will be allowed to clear their dues in 10 installments. Consumers from commercial and other categories will be able to pay outstanding amounts in three installments.





To address complaints related to smart meters and billing issues, special grievance redressal camps and assistance centres will be organized at Executive Engineer and Sub-Divisional Officer offices from May 15 to June 30. Additional support arrangements are also being planned through the 1912 helpline to manage consumer complaints during the transition period.