UP News: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Announces No Power Disconnections for Unpaid Bills, Introduces SMS Notifications

In a significant move, Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister AK Sharma declared on Wednesday that the state government had issued instructions to refrain from disconnecting power supply due to non-payment of bills. However, a new system was introduced to send seven SMS notifications to consumers as a reminder to deposit their bills, minimizing disconnections. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to improving the power supply situation in the state.

During the Assembly's Question Hour, heated exchanges ensued between members of the treasury benches and the opposition. Minister Sharma held the previous Samajwadi Party regime responsible for incorrect meter readings and inflated power bills, leading to a contentious exchange. The opposition objected to Sharma's remarks, with Leader of Opposition Akhilesh Yadav urging the minister to avoid such observations.

New System to Address Incorrect Meter Reading Issues

Minister Sharma assured the introduction of a new system in the coming months to address the problem of incorrect meter readings. He emphasized strict actions against those responsible for inflated bills, citing the removal of 2,508 meter readers from service. The One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, offering 100% exemption in surcharge, has benefited 14 lakh people so far.

Strengthening Power Infrastructure and Addressing Electrification Gaps

Sharma highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen power infrastructure, with support from the Centre's revamped distribution sector scheme. The focus includes addressing issues related to faulty transformers and old wire networks. The minister also compared the speed of transformer replacements, noting significant improvements since 2017.

Electrification Plans for Uncovered Areas

Acknowledging 22,339 unelectrified areas (majras) across the state, Sharma assured swift electrification in the near future. The commitment to addressing power supply challenges and implementing corrective measures underscores the state's dedication to enhancing the overall electricity distribution system.

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