Lucknow, April 28 -- Anger over prepaid smart meters led to protests in Lucknow on Sunday as members of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) staged a demonstration at the Sector 25 Indira Nagar power substation. The protest followed a midnight power cut that reportedly left residents without electricity throughout the night. Protesters alleged that power supply was disconnected despite there being sufficient balance in prepaid smart meters. They said many families, especially women-led households, suffered for several hours without electricity. Demonstrators entered the substation premises, raised slogans and accused officials of ignoring consumer complaints. AIDWA leaders claimed that the installation of smart meters has caused unexplained increases in electricity bills. They said the burden was falling heavily on low-income families already facing rising household expenses. htc...