Domestic users can pay only the principal amount of pending bills as the state waives interest and penalties.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme on Friday for domestic electricity consumers who have defaulted on their bills. According to The New Indian Express, the initiative aims to provide relief to more than 24 lakh families by waiving penalties and interest on outstanding dues up to March 31, 2026.
The total outstanding dues for these consumers amount to Rs 2,516 crore. Under the scheme, the state government will waive Rs 518 crore in charges. Mann stated that consumers will only be required to pay the principal amount of their pending bills.
Beneficiaries must pay 25 per cent of the outstanding principal amount upfront. The remaining 75 per cent can be cleared in two six-monthly instalments over one year. Consumers facing financial difficulties may receive an additional six-month extension for their payments.
The Chief Minister said that electricity connections previously disconnected due to unpaid bills will be restored once the principal amount is paid. He noted that the government aims to ensure financial difficulties do not become an extra burden on families.
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will send special OTS bills and notices to eligible consumers within seven days. The official notification is expected to be issued on Saturday, November 14, after which the 45-day period to use the scheme will begin.
