The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has intensified efforts to collect outstanding dues from consumers, recovering ₹91.74 crore from 28,491 individuals during a month-long drive. During the same period, the utility disconnected electricity service to 5,835 customers.
Recovery Efforts and Financial Impact
The recovery drive, launched on January 1, is part of PSPCL’s annual effort to improve its financial standing by collecting long-pending payments. Officials stated the drive is scheduled to continue through the end of March, coinciding with the close of the current financial year.
A total of ₹17.62 crore in outstanding dues prompted the disconnection of electricity connections. Recovery efforts varied across the district, with the Ludhiana East circle leading in collections at ₹38.95 crore, closely followed by Ludhiana West at ₹37.27 crore.
Divisional Breakdown
Industrial areas contributed significantly to the recovery totals. The Sunder Nagar division recovered the highest amount at ₹15.95 crore, with the Focal Point division close behind at ₹15.76 crore. Residential areas also contributed, with the Model Town division – serving more affluent areas – recovering ₹9.16 crore.
Enforcement actions were concentrated in specific subdivisions. The Doraha subdivision reported the highest number of disconnections with 864, followed by Khanna (793), Sirhind (787), and City Centre (505).
According to PSPCL officials, consumers are notified before disconnection and given a 10-day period to settle their debts. Service is restored only upon full payment of all outstanding amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do consumers have to pay their bills before being considered a defaulter?
Consumers whose electricity bills remain unpaid for more than 60 days are classified as defaulters.
What happens if a consumer’s electricity is disconnected?
Reconnection is initiated only after full payment of pending bills.
When will this recovery drive conclude?
The drive will continue until the end of March, coinciding with the conclusion of the current financial year.
As the recovery drive progresses, it remains to be seen whether PSPCL will meet its financial goals for the year, and how consumers will respond to the continued enforcement of payment deadlines.
