LUCKNOW, July 21 -- The state capital may have emerged as the country's leading rooftop solar city, but post-installation hurdles are preventing thousands of consumers from receiving the promised savings. Around 5,000 households are yet to receive credit for electricity generated by their rooftop solar plants due to delays in integrating net meters with the power utility's billing system, leaving many with higher-than-expected electricity bills, according to the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA). According to consumers, the post-installation bottleneck lies in integrating net meters with the Revenue Management System (RMS). Until the process is completed, electricity exported to the grid is either only partially accounted for or not reflected in bills. Under the net metering system, consumers use electricity generated through rooftop solar panels for their own needs, while surplus power exported to the grid is adjusted against the electricity drawn from it, reducing monthly electricity bills. The issue has also exposed gaps in the power utility's grievance redressal system. Although the department introduced a digital Vertical System for online complaint resolution, affected consumers say they are still forced to make repeated visits to electricity offices. Many allege they are caught between the electricity department and solar installation companies, with each blaming other for delays. Power department officials say corrective measures are underway. Chief engineer (Amausi Zone) Ram Kumar said pre-configured net meters are now being installed, enabling rooftop solar generation to be automatically recorded without requiring separate configuration. He said the move is expected to minimise such issues in future installations. Consumers, however, say the transition has been far from smooth. Rajesh Kumar Dixit, who installed a 4-kW rooftop solar plant, said his system generates around 500 units of electricity every month, but his bills reflect credit for only 275 to 375 units. Jitendra Kumar Verma said his ordeal has continued since installing a rooftop solar system in November 2025. His monthly electricity bill rose from Rs.305 in March to Rs.8,041 in July. Despite repeated complaints through 1912 helpline, he said he is directed to solar installation company without resolution. "Timely net meter integration, billing synchronisation and an effective grievance redressal mechanism are essential to ensure consumers receive the financial benefits promised under the rooftop solar programme," an office-bearer of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad said. Notably, Lucknow has become the first district in the country to cross one lakh rooftop solar installations, with a cumulative 1,02,603 installations. It also recorded the highest installations in May, ranking ahead of Surat nationally....