Uttar Pradesh Government Reinstates Postpaid Billing for Electricity Consumers

In a significant policy shift, the Uttar Pradesh government has reinstated the postpaid billing system for electricity consumers, ending the mandatory use of prepaid smart meters. This decision aims to alleviate consumer dissatisfaction stemming from high bills and technical issues. With the new system, consumers will receive monthly bills via SMS and WhatsApp, allowing them to pay after usage. The government hopes this change will benefit millions of users across the state. Read on to discover more about the implications of this decision and the details of the new billing process.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 18:31 IST

Postpaid Billing Returns for Electricity Users

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to abolish the mandatory use of prepaid smart meters for electricity consumers, reinstating the postpaid billing system. This move is expected to provide relief to millions of consumers across the state. All electricity connections will now operate under the postpaid mode, allowing users to pay their bills after consumption, similar to the previous system. Officials have announced that monthly billing will resume with a payment period of 15 days. However, new electricity connections will continue to be issued with smart meters that function in postpaid mode. This decision comes in response to technical issues and frequent complaints from consumers. Approximately 7.5 million connections that were switched to prepaid mode over the past year will now revert to postpaid. The ongoing process of replacing old meters with prepaid smart meters has also been temporarily halted.

Consumer Discontent and Government Response

This decision follows widespread dissatisfaction among consumers, who have expressed concerns over inflated bills, delays in reconnection despite recharges, and persistent technical failures. Protests have erupted in various parts of the state. In light of rising public anger during the election period, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath established a high-level committee to review the situation. Energy Minister A.K. Sharma later announced that all smart meters would operate in postpaid mode, with monthly bills sent via SMS and WhatsApp. Sharma stated that the billing cycle would remain consistent with the previous postpaid system, ensuring consumers receive their monthly bills through SMS and WhatsApp, along with ample time for payment. He emphasized that this initiative would benefit a significant number of consumers.

New Billing System Details

Under the revised system, electricity bills will be generated for consumption from the first to the last day of each month and will be distributed by the 10th of the following month. Consumers will be required to make payments within 15 days from the date of bill issuance, with the due date clearly indicated.