LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged power corporation officials to avoid incorrect electricity billing to build consumers’ confidence in the system, besides enhancing infrastructure, including taking steps to develop all municipal corporations as ‘Solar Cities’.

At a review meet on Monday with power officials, he said, “The primary challenge faced by the UPPCL is to issue bills and collect payments from all consumers accurately and promptly.

It is crucial that no consumer receives an incorrect electricity bill and that all bills are delivered on time. Over-billing or delays not only inconvenience con-sumers but also diminish their confidence in the system, affecting their willingness to pay. Concrete efforts must be made by all, from discoms to feeders, to ensure timely and accurate billing and effecti ve communication with consumers is essential to achieve this goal.”

Often there are reports of discontentment among the public about the power connection charge, therefore it’s imperative to bring uniformity in the fee. Rules should be improved to ensure consistency, with a focus on reducing unnecessary infrastructure charges and prioritising the convenience of the common citizen,” he said.

Power corporation officials told the CM that there is considerable enthusiasm for the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana’, with over 18 lakh people having registered for the programme. The CM asked officials to take steps to develop all municipal corporations, including Ayodhya, as ‘Solar Cities’.

The CM urged authorities to complete the process of land acquisition for the proposed solar parks in Jhansi, Lalitpur, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Chitrakoot and Jalaun expeditiously.

Also, to achieve the goal of ‘Har Ghar Bijli-Nirbadh Bijli,’ it is crucial to enhance the power transmission system. Before establishing a new substation, a thorough assessment of local needs must be conducted. New substations should be set up based on a five-year requirement target, he said.

Moreover, the CM stressed on immediate repair of damaged transformers, both in rural and urban areas, with new transformers provided as needed. “Adherence to the stipulated time limits is essential, and the performance of agencies responsible for transformer repairs should be monitored. All calls to the toll-free number/helpline must be attended to, ensuring that every consumer’s issue is addressed promptly,” he said.

Commenting on thermal projects, Yogi said, “The construction of units in Ghatampur, Panki, Obra-C, and Jawaharpur should be completed promptly.”

Officials said that 22 thermal projects are successfully operational in Anpara, Harduaganj, Obra, Parichha and Jawaharpur.

According to official sources, apart from Obra D, Anpara E and Meja Thermal Project-II being set up as a joint venture with NTPC, the work of Khurja Thermal Project under construction with THDC is expected to be accelerated. These initiatives will significantly enhance the state’s power generation capacity.

“A study should be conducted to explore the feasibility of establishing pump storage plants at Rihand Dam, Obra reservoir and nearby areas,” said the CM.