In a concerning turn of events, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has taken the drastic step of disconnecting electricity supply to 30,217 non-agricultural accounts in Pune due to unpaid bills. Despite repeated appeals and warnings, these customers have failed to settle their outstanding electricity dues, leading to this severe measure.
Over the past 25 days, MSEDCL has faced challenges in its operations due to the growing number of unpaid electricity bills. The financial constraints have forced the company’s hand in enforcing disconnections. Presently, Pune district counts a total of 780,611 domestic, commercial, and industrial customers, collectively accumulating an outstanding balance of Rs. 200 crore 25 lakh.
To address this issue and provide a last-minute opportunity for customers to clear their dues, MSEDCL has decided to keep all authorized electricity bill payment centers in Pune operational during the weekend. On both Saturday (26th August) and Sunday (27th August), these centers will be open during office hours to facilitate the swift settlement of both current and overdue electricity bills. It’s crucial to note that disconnection procedures are initiated for overdue bills of even just one month, irrespective of the amount owed.
Within the Pune Regional Division, the breakdown of outstanding dues is as follows: Pune district accounts for 679,378 domestic customers with arrears totaling Rs 134 crore 34 lakh, 79,418 commercial customers with an outstanding balance of Rs 45 crore 12 lakh, and 11,815 industrial customers owing Rs 20 crore 79 lakh. Consequently, the electricity supply to 30,217 households, commercial establishments, and industrial units has been abruptly terminated over the past 25 days. MSEDCL is strongly urging all electricity consumers to settle their overdue bills immediately to avoid facing disconnection.
Customers facing bill-related issues can conveniently make unlimited online payments anytime through the official website www.mahadiscom.in or the Mahavitran mobile app. Moreover, MSEDCL has introduced the option of RTGS or NEFT payments for all small pressure customers whose bills exceed Rs 5000. The necessary payment details are available on the customer’s electricity bill.
In a bid to address the situation effectively, MSEDCL has deployed an independent team to investigate the electricity connections of defaulters whose supply has been disconnected. For instances where defaulters are found to be drawing electricity through unauthorized connections from neighbors or other sources, legal actions are taken against both the defaulters and the parties providing the unauthorized access, in line with sections 135/138 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003.
