UPPCL has introduced a two-stage audit mechanism that will automatically flag abnormal meter readings.
LUCKNOW: Usha Pal of Unnao, who has a 1 kW electricity connection, was left in panic after receiving a power bill of Rs 1.18 lakh last month. Following rectification by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited ( UPPCL ), the amount was reduced to Rs 37,496 for the period from Nov 2025 to Nov 2026. Consumption exceeding 24 units per kilowatt of sanctioned load per day will trigger verification. Verma illustrated how a simple data-entry mistake could turn a reading of 990 units into 9,990 units, generating an inflated bill. Accounts showing a credit balance exceeding Rs 15,000, outstanding dues above Rs 5 lakh per kilowatt of sanctioned load, or a current bill assessment exceeding Rs 10,000 per kilowatt will be flagged. The initiative comes against the backdrop of Rs 63,357 crore in outstanding electricity dues from over 93 lakh long-unpaid and never-paid consumers across the state’s five distribution companies.
Therefore, we have launched a robust mechanism to avoid wrong billing.
Speaking to TOI, Ranvir Prasad, principal secretary (energy) and UPPCL chairman, said, “It was a mandate from the Chief Minister that power bills should be correct. Explaining the mechanism, UPPCL director (commercial) Prashant Verma said incorrect meter readings sometimes resulted in disproportionately high bills. Welcoming the move, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma said the organisation had long advocated a double-stage audit system.
Based on the learnings from this mechanism, we will introduce further refinements in the coming months to improve its effectiveness. Under the first stage, called pre-audit, meter readings will be checked against predefined limits before bill generation. Such discrepancies will now be detected at the initial stage. The second stage, called post-audit, will scrutinise bills after generation. He expressed hope that accurate billing would reduce disputes, strengthen consumer confidence and encourage timely payments.