LUCKNOW: The double-engine government has given a new identity to Uttar Pradesh through good governance because despite being rich in resources, the state had remained poor and sick due to the misgovernance of the previous non-BJP governments, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently. Adding one more feather in the development works under the leadership of the Yogi Adityanath-led government, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has introduced numerous consumer-friendly initiatives, significantly easing access to electricity services. Through these measures, only 32 per cent of consumers now deposit their electricity bills physically at counters, while 68% have transitioned to online, e-wallet, and CSC payments.
The highest percentage, 39 per cent, is made online, with e-wallet payments accounting for 21 per cent and various cards (credit and debit) for 8 per cent. The UPPCL consumer app has further simplified tasks such as obtaining new connections, bill corrections, filing complaints, and changing tariffs, making these services more accessible to the public.
The efforts made by the Yogi government in the last few years to provide relief to the electricity consumers of the state are clearly visible.
Few years earlier, people had to stand in long queues for hours in the offices of the electricity department to pay their power bills. However, through the consumer-friendly facilities started by UPPCL, the scenario has now changed, consumers can pay their bills from their home in a few minutes.
Not only this, UPPCL has introduced quick portals like Jhatpat Portal, Nivesh Mitra, and PTW Portal under a faceless mechanism for obtaining new connections, which is a great relief and no time wastage.
Online auto load enhancement and self-bill generation are also a reality now.
If a consumer’s bill is incorrect, they can submit it for revision through the online portal or app. Similarly, one can use the online services to correct one’s name and address, change category, or request a permanent disconnection.
According to UPPCL Chairman Ashish Kumar Goel, consumers can easily benefit from services like new connections, bill corrections, complaint redressal, and tariff changes through the UPPCL Consumer App. The app also offers assisted billing, which allows for significant improvements in billing quality.
Additionally, the department has provided relief to consumers by allowing them to pay bills in instalments. Real-time bill reading, bill generation, and payment at the consumer’s premises save a lot of time. Furthermore, banks and fintech companies have been onboarded as collection points. The 1912 helpline is widely operated for electricity supply-related complaints.
Understanding the importance of social media, UPPCL has made it a means of communication. Platforms like Facebook and X are becoming effective channels for engaging with consumers across all districts. People can use these platforms not only to lodge complaints about electricity supply but also to voice various concerns.
The department is addressing these complaints and issues as well. Dedicated social media cells have been established in all DISCOMs. Additionally, consumers receive alerts about their outstanding bills and payment dates via WhatsApp and SMS.
In another development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked the UPPCL to ensure timely delivery of error-free electricity bills to the consumers. He said the consumers should not be harassed by delayed delivery of faulty bills.
The chief minister also stressed on the importance of raising public awareness about timely payment of electricity bills.
Seeing the achievements in the state, it seems true that the pace of development and providing benefits of welfare schemes to the needy has been continuously increasing in the double-engine government.
