Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across both rural and urban areas to provide relief to residents from the severe heatwave. The Chief Minister emphasized that the distribution system must become more accountable and consumer-centric.
Review Meeting and Directives
Reviewing the power supply situation in a meeting attended by Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma, Minister of State Kailash Singh Rajput, and officials from UPPCL and all distribution companies (discoms), Yogi called for continuous monitoring at all levels to prevent any shortage for farmers, industries, and the general public. He instructed officials to maximize the use of available generation capacity and prioritize technical efficiency and maintenance across all power plants.
"During this challenging period of intense heat, the energy department should work with full sensitivity and promptness," Yogi said. He remarked that electricity supply is not merely a technical subject but is connected to the lives of common citizens, irrigation for farmers, commercial activities, and industrial development. He stated that ensuring adequate electricity supply during summer is among the highest priorities of the state government, and all discoms should work together to achieve this goal.
Generation Capacity and Infrastructure
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the total generation capacity of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) has increased to 13,388 MW, including 9,120 MW from thermal projects in Anpara, Obra, Harduaganj, Parichha, Jawaharpur, and Panki, and 526.4 MW from hydropower. Joint venture projects in Meja, Ghatampur, and Khurja are providing an additional 3,742 MW. Compared to 2022, the installed capacity of the state's generation corporation has risen by 86% by 2026. Around 10,000 MW is also being produced from non-conventional energy sources, an official added.
Yogi directed officials to strengthen and modernize the transmission network to meet growing power demand. He stressed that the distribution system should be more accountable and consumer-centric, with feeder-wise monitoring. Negligence in transformer maintenance, feeder breakdowns, or complaint redressal will not be tolerated. Rapid response systems must remain active at the field level despite conditions such as storms, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.
Restoration and Underground Cabling
Officials informed the Chief Minister that despite thunderstorms on May 4, 7, and 15, which affected 38 substations and 326 feeders, restoration work was carried out promptly. Yogi instructed officials to seek approval before undertaking digging work for laying underground cables. He also emphasized ensuring availability through all possible sources, including power purchase arrangements. UPPCL has arranged power banking with 12 states to meet requirements.
Long-Term Strategy and Consumer Services
Yogi stressed the need for a long-term energy strategy based on future demand. He called for making consumer services more transparent and technology-driven. The integrated 1912 call centre system has been operational since November 2025 through centres in Lucknow and Noida, with call-handling capacity increased from 75,000 to 90,000 calls per day. The Chief Minister directed ministers to physically inspect call centres and instructed officials to provide accurate and timely information to consumers during outages, including clear restoration timelines.
Reviewing the smart meter system, Yogi said the facility should be made more consumer-friendly. He stressed that billing and collection should be improved, with accurate and timely bills issued to consumers. Officials informed him that 89.23 lakh smart meters had been installed, and all prepaid smart meters had been shifted back to postpaid mode as per government directions. From June 2026, bills for smart meter consumers will be issued between the first and tenth day of every month on a postpaid basis through SMS, WhatsApp, and email. Special camps are being organized across the state until June 30 to resolve smart meter-related complaints.
Reduction in Transformer Failures
Officials reported a significant decline in transformer damage. Power transformer failures dropped by about 80%, from 429 in 2022-23 to 87 in 2025-26. Damage to distribution transformers above 100 kVA also reduced from 39,177 units to 20,292 in the same period due to safety measures, timely repairs, and enhanced accountability.
Uttar Pradesh has tied up 32,305 MW of power capacity between 2015 and 2026, with approximately 62% added in the last three years. Work is underway to add 10,719 MW by 2029 through wind, battery storage, pumped hydro, and hybrid projects.
