India, Jan. 29 -- LUCKNOW Even as nearly 80% of prepaid smart meter consumers across the state continue to operate with negative balances amounting to nearly Rs.1,000 crore, the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has issued a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate recharges, arrears adjustment and automatic disconnection of prepaid power connections.

"Due to lack of SOPs, the UPPCL was not able to disconnect power supply to meters running on negative balance. Now, we will soon start snapping supply to such meters," a senior UPPCL official said.

Data as of January 21, 2026, shows that around 38 lakh out of 47.4 lakh prepaid consumers are in negative balance in UP. The Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PUVVN...