LUCKNOW, Oct. 19 -- Acting on energy minister AK Sharma's directive, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has introduced flexible payment options for consumers installing smart prepaid meters. The move is intended to reduce the financial strain on new applicants, many of whom had difficulty paying the full meter cost upfront. As per the fresh office memorandum issued by the UPPCL on Saturday, all new electricity connections in areas identified for smart metering except agricultural ones will now be provided with prepaid smart meters. Applicants can either pay Rs 6,016 upfront for a single-phase meter through the Jhatpat Portal or opt for installment-based payment. For Jhuggi-Jhopri and small shop consumers, the cost can be paid with an initial Rs 1,000 and Rs 125 monthly over 60 months, while others can pay in 12 installments with 12.5% interest on the balance....