Disconnected due to -ve balance, 1.52L urban prepaid meter users owe Rs 130 cr

Lucknow: UPPCL data reveals that a significant number of urban consumers using smart prepaid meters across its five discoms are running power accounts in negative balance.

As on April 1, a total of 4.7 lakh consumers had negative balances in their accounts. However, due to poor network connectivity and technical constraints, power supply could be remotely disconnected in only 1.52 lakh cases.

These 1.52 lakh consumers owe power dues amounting to Rs 130.64 crore.

The highest number of consumers with negative balance was reported from Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), accounting for 2.02 lakh cases, indicating widespread arrears in western Uttar Pradesh.

Out of 2.02 lakh negative balance consumers, 56,672 alone owed Rs 30.93 crore.

Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (MVVNL) presents a stark picture in terms of revenue exposure.

Despite having fewer negative-balance consumers than PVVNL, MVVNL's 67,117 disconnected smart prepaid consumers alone owe Rs 44.76 crore, the highest dues among all discoms.

MVVNL has 81,954 urban consumers with negative balance.

Chief engineer (commercial), MVVNL, Vinod Kumar Arya said, "The discom has around 17.9 lakh smart prepaid meter consumers, but only 3.16 lakh have installed UPPCL Smart App, which clearly displays arrears along with current balance."

"Most consumers remain unaware of pending dues. As a result, when they recharge their meters, the amount gets automatically adjusted against arrears, pushing their account into negative balance even after recharge," Arya said, adding that alerts were regularly sent via SMS and WhatsApp.

Director (commercial), UPPCL, Prashant Verma said the corporation was focusing on urban consumers with negative balances, especially those where dues had escalated sharply.

He urged consumers to recharge their accounts in line with their usual monthly consumption while ensuring complete clearance of arrears to avoid disruption.