Special Correspondent
Pune: To assist consumers with settling their overdue electricity bills, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has announced an extension of its Power Amnesty Scheme until March 31, 2025. This scheme is available to home, commercial, and industrial customers whose power connections were permanently disconnected due to unpaid dues.
Launched on September 1, 2024, the Power Amnesty Scheme was designed to alleviate the financial burden on consumers by waiving interest and late payment fees on outstanding amounts.
Originally set to end on November 30, 2024, the deadline was first extended to December 31, 2024, due to overwhelming demand. Now, MSEDCL has decided to offer an additional extension, providing consumers more time to take advantage of this one-time opportunity to clear their dues.
The scheme allows customers to settle their outstanding payments without the added burden of penalties. As of now, MSEDCL has reported that 93,848 consumers have benefited from the scheme, collectively paying Rs. 130 crore towards their overdue bills. In return, these consumers have had Rs. 57.36 crore in interest and Rs. 2.12 crore in late payment charges waived.
Rajendra Pawar, Chief Engineer for MSEDCL’s Pune Circle, explained that the extension was prompted by the scheme’s popularity and consumer demand for additional time to make payments. “Consumers can easily avail themselves of the scheme online, which simplifies the process. Once dues are cleared, consumers can either have their connections restored or apply for a new connection at the same address, provided they submit the necessary documentation,” Pawar added.
The Power Amnesty Scheme caters to both residential and business consumers who have fallen behind on their payments. It offers flexibility by allowing consumers to pay a portion of their outstanding dues upfront, with the remaining balance spread over six equal installments. Additionally, consumers who choose to pay the full amount in one lump sum can receive discounts. Domestic and low-voltage consumers are eligible for a 10% discount, while high-voltage industrial and commercial consumers can receive a 5% discount.
MSEDCL strongly encourages consumers to clear their dues within the extended deadline to avoid further penalties. After the new deadline passes, the waivers on interest and late payment charges will no longer be available.
The scheme has been particularly beneficial to those whose power connections were disconnected due to prolonged nonpayment of bills, offering them an opportunity to resolve their outstanding debts without incurring additional financial burdens. The initiative also plays a vital role in reducing MSEDCL’s outstanding arrears, while ensuring continued access to essential electricity services for consumers.
Feedback from consumers who have already utilized the scheme has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing relief at the removal of hefty penalties. As the reach of the scheme expands, MSEDCL hopes that more consumers will seize this opportunity, improving payment compliance and reducing arrears in the electricity distribution system.
