A protest led by women residents took place at the Sector-25 power house in Indiranagar, Lucknow, opposing the installation of smart electricity meters. The demonstrators surrounded the sub-divisional office and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the new meters.
Allegations of Inconvenience
The women alleged that smart meters have caused widespread inconvenience, including frequent billing errors and unclear charges that increase financial pressure on households. They claimed that electricity bills have become unpredictable and difficult to understand. The protesters demanded the restoration of conventional postpaid meters in place of smart meters.
Official Response
Power department officials assured the protesters that their grievances would be examined and complaints reviewed.
Consumer Body Raises Concerns
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP) accused the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) of continuing to enforce obsolete regulations to impose prepaid smart meters on new electricity connections, despite the central government withdrawing the mandatory requirement.
According to the consumer body, amendments made under the Electricity Act, 2003, removed the compulsory prepaid meter provision effective from April 1, 2026. However, an order issued by UPPCL on September 10, 2025, still mandates prepaid meters for all new connections. UPRVUP chairman Avdhesh Kumar Verma termed the practice unconstitutional and anti-consumer.
