Electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh may soon see a sharp increase in their power bills.
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has started public hearings to review proposals from state power distribution companies that are asking for higher electricity tariffs.
If these proposals are approved, electricity prices in the state could rise by 25% to 30%.
The regulator will study the financial condition of power companies before taking a final decision.
Why Power Companies Want Higher Tariffs
Power distribution companies say the tariff increase is necessary because they are facing heavy financial losses and rising operating costs.
According to officials, these companies have reported combined losses of nearly ₹12,000 crore this year.
Another major reason cited is the cost of installing smart electricity meters across the state.
Power companies say they have already spent around ₹3,837 crore on installing these meters.
They are now requesting that this expense be included in electricity tariffs, which means consumers could end up paying part of the cost through their monthly bills.
Consumer Groups Oppose the Proposal
Consumer rights groups have strongly criticized the plan to recover smart meter costs from electricity users.
The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council argues that when the central government introduced the nationwide smart meter program, it clearly stated that the cost should not be directly charged to consumers through higher tariffs.
Consumer representatives also say many people already pay charges related to meter installation when they apply for new electricity connections.
Adding smart meter costs to tariffs could create a double financial burden.
Concerns Over Smart Meter Accuracy
Apart from the financial issue, some consumer groups have also raised concerns about technical problems with smart meters.
Several users have reported confusion regarding meter readings and electricity bills.
Because of this, consumer groups are demanding more transparency from power companies.
They have asked authorities to publish data comparing smart meter readings with traditional meters to ensure billing accuracy.
Public Hearings Underway Across the State
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission is currently holding hearings in multiple cities, including Noida, Bareilly, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
During these hearings, regulators will examine the proposals from different power companies and listen to feedback from consumers and experts.
The final decision will determine whether millions of households in Uttar Pradesh will face higher electricity bills in the coming months.
