PRAYAGRAJ, May 11 -- Consumers whose smart prepaid electricity meters are being converted back to the post-paid system across Uttar Pradesh will now have to deposit security money again. However, in a relief for consumers, the amount will be recovered in four monthly instalments instead of a one-time charge, officials said. Outstanding electricity dues pending till April 30 can also be cleared in ten equal instalments. The first instalment of the security deposit will be payable in June along with the bill for May's electricity consumption. Consumers will receive their bills through SMS and WhatsApp. According to officials, the first instalment of the security amount will start reflecting in electricity bills to be issued on July 10, while the final instalment will be recovered through the October bill. Although regular electricity bills will continue to be generated in June, the security deposit component will be added only from July onwards. A senior Prayagraj-based official of Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL) said Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) managing director Nitish Kumar issued directions on May 6 regarding the process of converting prepaid smart meters back to the post-paid system. The communication was sent to the managing directors of Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Dakshinanchal and Paschimanchal power distribution corporations, along with KESCO in Kanpur. Officials said when conventional post-paid connections were earlier converted into smart prepaid meters, the security deposit paid by consumers was adjusted against electricity consumption and recharge balances. With the shift back to post-paid billing, the department has started collecting the security amount afresh. Power department officials clarified that the security money is a refundable consumer deposit and should not be treated as an additional charge. For domestic consumers, the security deposit has been fixed at Rs.300 per kilowatt for connections up to two kilowatts and Rs.400 per kilowatt for loads of three kilowatts and above....