Lucknow, Feb. 1 -- Alarmed by mounting dues from consumers with prepaid smart meters, Uttar Pradesh power utilities have launched a special awareness and outreach campaign to drive up the recharging and installation of UPPCL Smart App across the state.

Official data shows that out of 54.81 lakh prepaid smart meters installed so far, as many as 44.02 lakh consumers - around 80% - are currently operating on negative balance, with outstanding amounts crossing Rs.1,066 crore.

The highest number of negative-balance consumers has been recorded in Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (15.53 lakh consumers owing Rs.374.19 crore), followed by Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (9.89 lakh consumers with Rs.248.85 crore in dues) and Dakshin...