UPERC lowers upfront smart meter cost to Rs 2,800

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has issued a revised Cost Data Book (CDB) for 2025 with a lower upfront cost for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) compatible smart prepaid meters for new electricity connections, while shifting part of the payment to instalments.

The Cost Data Book (CDB), dated 31 December 2025 and applicable to all distribution licensees in Uttar Pradesh, standardizes charges for new connections, load enhancement, and load reduction. A major change is the revised metering charge structure that allows consumers to pay for single phase smart meters through a mix of upfront payment and monthly instalments.

The revised structure states that the base cost of a 1-Phase, 2-Wire Smart Meter (Advanced Metering Infrastructure compatible) with meter box is Rs 2,800. However, Annexure-2 and Annexure-2A provide a lower initial payment. For a 1 kW connection under Lifeline consumers, the upfront metering charge is Rs 1,425. For a load up to 2 kW for consumers other than Lifeline, the upfront charge is Rs 1,855. In both categories, the distribution licensee will collect Rs 1,000 at the application stage, and the remaining amount will be recovered through 24 Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) of Rs 84 through electricity bills. Consumers may also choose to pay the full Rs 2,800 upfront.

For three phase connections, the cost of a 3-Phase, 4-Wire Smart Meter (Advanced Metering Infrastructure compatible) with meter box is Rs 4,100 under Annexure-29. The applicable upfront charges for different load slabs are provided in the respective annexures of the Cost Data Book.

The total payable amount for a new connection consists of four defined components. These include a processing fee linked to sanctioned load, a security deposit based on category and load, a metering charge replacing the earlier Fixed Service Line Charge, and a Supply Affording Charge replacing the earlier Variable Line Charge, which is linked to network extension distance.

The Cost Data Book remains valid for two years with annual escalation on material rates, except meters, linked to the Wholesale Price Index. Estimates will be prepared by the distribution licensees based on landed cost including material, labour, carriage, overheads, and applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST), while GST will not apply to security deposits or processing fees. For connections up to 50 kW, service cables and meter boards will be provided by the consumer. The Cost Data Book will come into effect from a date to be notified by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) or the distribution licensees, and this date will not be later than 12 January 2026. In case of inconsistency between the Cost Data Book and the Electricity Supply Code, the Cost Data Book will prevail.

The revised framework seeks to streamline the connection process, bring clarity to cost elements, and support wider use of smart prepaid meters in Uttar Pradesh. 

The featured photograph (Tata Power) is for representation only.