Meghalaya Chief Minister Introduces Scheme to Waive ₹26 Crore in Power Bill Penalties
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Synopsis
On March 4, Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to help consumers clear their dues with the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), waiving over ₹26 crore in penalties. The scheme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on approximately 45,000 consumers.
Key Takeaways
- One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme launched for power bill dues.
- Waives over ₹26 crore in penalties for consumers.
- 40% of the principal amount to be paid upfront, remaining 60% in five instalments.
- Aimed at around 45,000 consumers with outstanding bills.
- Scheme effective from March 1 to 31.
Shillong, March 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, unveiled the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at assisting consumers of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) who have outstanding dues.
During the launch event attended by Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, the Chief Minister highlighted that approximately 45,000 consumers stand to gain from the waiver of over Rs 26 crore in surcharges and penalties.
He explained that consumers will need to pay 40 percent of the principal amount upfront, while the remaining 60 percent can be settled in five equal, interest-free instalments.
Sangma encouraged consumers to seize this opportunity and benefit from the government’s initiative, which seeks to alleviate the financial burden on those with unpaid electricity dues.
The OTS Scheme 2025 is specifically tailored for Domestic Low Tension (DLT) and Kutir Jyoti/BPL consumers, with a declared load of 5 KW or less, particularly for those whose connections have been severed due to non-payment, to recover long-overdue electricity bill payments.
This scheme will be in effect from March 1 to 31.
Eligibility for the OTS Scheme 2025 is limited to consumers whose electricity supply has been disconnected. The total outstanding dues owed by consumers amount to Rs 119 crore.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also introduced a pilot initiative involving six maintenance vehicles, which will aid the linesmen and maintenance personnel of MeECL in safely and efficiently accessing power lines located at various heights and locations.
MePDCL previously relied on traditional vehicles and ladders for restoration work. These new vehicles, equipped with hydraulic lifts, will enhance maintenance efficiency and minimize electricity outages.
The overall expenditure for acquiring these vehicles is Rs 1.48 crore.
The Chief Minister also confirmed that there will be no planned load shedding this year. He praised the department for its various initiatives aimed at reforming MeECL to enhance service delivery. AT&C losses have reportedly decreased to below 18 percent.
Additionally, he shared plans for stabilizing power distribution in rural areas, which includes the establishment of new substations. The process will commence next month with the launch of 10 new substations.
