LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has defended its decision to revise the sanctioned electricity load of 46.68 lakh consumers, saying the action was taken in accordance with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Supply Code (Fifth Amendment) 2005.The clarification comes after the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP) alleged that the exercise violated the Centre’s policy on smart meters and could increase the financial burden on consumers.Speaking to TOI, UPPCL director (commercial) Prashant Kumar Verma said the sanctioned load of consumers was increased only where their maximum demand exceeded the sanctioned load for three consecutive months, as provided under the Supply Code. He said around 20 lakh of the 46.68 lakh affected consumers are smart meter users.Verma said the revised sanctioned load is calculated on the basis of the lowest maximum demand recorded during the three month period. He added that the corporation regulates consumer loads according to the Supply Code and not on the basis of external statements or interpretations.Responding to concerns over subsidised consumers, Verma said, “Households classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL) are eligible for benefits only up to a sanctioned load of 1 kW. If their electricity usage consistently exceeds that level, resulting in a load revision under the Supply Code, they no longer qualify for the BPL category and its associated concessions.”
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Meanwhile, UPRVUP has questioned both the process and the implications of the load revision. The consumer body cited a Feb 9, 2026 written reply by Union minister of state for power Shripad Naik in the Lok Sabha stating that maximum demand (MD) penalty would not be levied on smart meter consumers. “The consumers in Uttar Pradesh have faced action based on maximum demand through both MD related charges and subsequent load revision,” said UPRVUP Chairman Avadhesh Kumar VermaHe also alleged that the load of many BPL domestic consumers was increased from 1 kW to 2 kW or more without prior notice, potentially affecting eligibility for subsidised tariffs. “The tariff regulations require discoms to notify consumers and provide an opportunity to respond before revising sanctioned load,” he added.
