The connection cost for smart prepaid electricity meters has become cheaper, with prices reduced by half..

Electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh have received a New Year's gift from the Electricity Department. Effective January 1, 2026, the state has reduced prepaid electricity meter charges. The rate for smart prepaid metered electricity connections has been reduced by 50 percent. A new single-phase prepaid electricity connection will now cost just ₹2,800 instead of ₹6,000. A three-phase connection will cost ₹4,100, down from ₹11,300 previously. Domestic electricity consumers will now receive fixed-charge electricity connections.

The Electricity Regulatory Commission has reduced the cost of smart prepaid meters and new electricity connections. The Commission has also reduced the fixed-charge system for new electricity connections. Separate estimates will no longer be prepared for electricity connections up to 300 meters and 150 kilowatts of load (without private tube wells). According to the new electricity rates, if a customer purchases a 2-kilowatt connection within 100 meters of the pole, they will only have to pay ₹5,500 in one go. For a distance of 300 meters, the charge is ₹7,555. Previously, electricity consumers were burdened with ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 for electricity poles, wires, and transformers. However, changes will be made to the system starting January 12th, providing significant relief to consumers.

Electricity consumers who have paid ₹6,016 for a smart prepaid meter connection by September 9, 2025, are also being considered for a new discount.

Relief for poor electricity consumers
According to the Electricity Regulatory Commission's audit, electricity consumers living below the poverty line will receive several discounts starting the new year. They will not have to pay processing fees or security deposits. For power connections within 100 meters, they will only have to pay ₹500 in advance.

Relief for poor electricity consumers

The remaining amount will have to be paid in installments of ₹45 over 12 months along with the electricity bill. BPL customers on single-phase connections will have to pay the meter charge of ₹2,800 in two installments. Only ₹1,000 will be required at the time of applying for a new electricity connection. The remaining amount will be paid in installments over 24 months.

The Electricity Regulatory Commission has also stated that residents of settlements where power line work is currently underway will only have to pay the meter charge. They will not be charged any additional fees for electricity, poles, or line installation.

Improvements in Multi-Point Connections
The Regulatory Commission has also improved the system for multi-point connections in high-rise society flats. The existing load limit at 11 kilovolts has been increased from 3 to 4 MVA. No fee will be charged from new consumers for the development and operation of advanced metering. For connections to a single 25 kVA transformer, the fee for PTW customers has been reduced from 50 percent to 33 percent. Consumers using a neutral 3-phase 16 kVA transformer or a single-phase 10 kVA transformer have also been given relief. For security payments exceeding ₹20 lakh, customers will be given the option to pay through a bank guarantee or e-bank guarantee.

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