Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited cuts connections of over 80,000 defaulters

MSEDCL personnel cutting an electrical connection at a defaulter’s premises on Thursday

In a major crackdown, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has disconnected 80,748 electricity connections in Bhandup zone for non-payment of bills that totally amount to Rs 61.81 crore. The MSEDCL has urged consumers to pay the bills to get reconnected or face legal action. As of July, bills worth Rs 923 crore are pending in the zone and the recovery of the money has become a big task. The defaulters behind the Rs 923 crore include the 80,748 whose connections were cut after verification; action will be taken against the rest after the validation.

Consumers from Panvel city (with pending bills worth Rs 13.44 crore) top the list, while consumers from Panvel rural (Rs 10.14 crore) and Vashi (Rs 7.68 crore) follow. Most of the consumers haven't paid bills from April 2020.

According to MSEDCL data, in June 2021, the pending bills in Bhandup zone, which includes Bhandup, Mulund, parts of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel and parts of Raigad district, were worth Rs 731 crore, which sky rocketed in one month and are worth Rs 923 crore now.

Despite repeated warnings, MSEDCL claimed many of the consumers haven't paid the outstanding amounts. "Time and again we have given reminders to all the consumers who haven't paid a single rupee from their bills. We gave them a notice last month that connections will be cut if they don't pay the bills. Many consumers haven't paid bills from April 2020," said an official from MSEDCL.

MSEDCL has now disconnected connections of 80,748 consumers from residential, commercial and industrial categories. Most connections from Panvel city have been disconnected, followed by Panvel rural and Vashi division.

"As the pending amount is piling up, electricity purchase, daily maintenance and other routine expenses have become a tough task, and therefore we had to take such a step. Those who haven't paid from April 2020 should pay current and outstanding bills as soon as possible, to avoid further action. After disconnection, if these consumers are found stealing electricity from others, they will be prosecuted under the Electricity Act, 2003," said Suresh Ganeshkar, chief engineer of Bhandup Zone.