Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the establishment of an expert committee to investigate growing complaints about overbilling from smart electricity meters. During a review meeting of the energy department, he stressed that consumers should receive accurate bills on time and that their electricity connections should not be disconnected if they are not at fault. The chief minister highlighted the importance of ensuring a transparent billing system and improving consumer trust in the smart metering process.

He noted the significant increase in electricity consumers in the state, rising from 1.65 crore in 2017 to over 3.71 crore by 2026, alongside an 80% increase in electricity load. Adityanath called for the swift resolution of consumer grievances through enhanced systems, including a toll-free helpline and online platforms. He also emphasized the need for regular maintenance and improvements in power distribution infrastructure to prevent supply disruptions.

Additionally, he urged for the expedited approval and implementation of new thermal and solar power projects to meet the increasing demand, ensuring that all thermal power generation units operate at full capacity. The state currently has 12,247 megawatts of thermal capacity and 526.4 megawatts of hydropower capacity, with plans for new projects totaling 5,600 megawatts.