More and more homes in Lucknow now have smart prepaid electricity meters from UPPCL, the state power company. With a prepaid meter, you recharge first and use electricity after, like a mobile phone. For tenants, that changes a few things about moving in, paying and moving out.
What has changed
- New connections are prepaid. According to a news report, UPPCL ordered in September 2025 that all new connections use smart meters in prepaid mode.
- A refund for overcharging. About five lakh domestic consumers were charged more for their smart meters than the approved cost (₹6,016 for single-phase against an approved ₹2,800, per the report). UPPCL said it would return the excess, more than ₹200 crore, through electricity bills.
- No disconnection on holidays in Lucknow. A January 2026 report said a standard procedure issued in Lucknow stops prepaid consumers being cut off on holidays, and gives three days to recharge after the balance runs out.
- One-time relief after disconnection. In March 2026 UPPCL offered a one-time facility: if a disconnected consumer recharges enough to cut a negative balance by at least half, supply is restored for three days.
Rules like these change often, so check the UPPCL app or your local electricity office for the current position.
What to agree with your owner before moving in
- Whose name is the connection in? Usually the owner's. Agree who recharges and how you show it.
- Note the meter reading and balance on the day you move in, with a photo, and the same on the day you move out.
- If several flats share one connection with sub-meters, agree the per-unit rate in writing.
- Who gets the refund if the meter cost was overcharged? It goes to the account holder, usually the owner.
- Low balance alerts: ask the owner to add your mobile number to the account if the app allows it, so you are not surprised by a cut.
For owners
- Keep the account in your name, but share recharge access with your tenant.
- Put the electricity arrangement in the rent agreement: prepaid, who recharges, and how the final balance is settled.
- A tenant moving out should leave the meter with a positive balance, or settle the difference from the deposit, as agreed.
Clear electricity terms prevent one of the most common move-out arguments. We note them in the agreements we prepare.
Looking for a flat in Lucknow? See our properties for rent.
Facts as reported up to October 2026. Check with UPPCL for the current rules.