Is Over 50% of Tripura’s 9 Lakh Electricity Consumers Defaulting on Bills?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Tripura, over 50% of electricity consumers are defaulting on their bills, raising concerns about service sustainability. TSECL officials urge prompt payments while addressing the troubling rise in violence against staff during disconnections. This ongoing issue highlights the need for mutual responsibility between the power corporation and consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Over 50% of consumers in Tripura are defaulting on electricity bills.
- Outstanding dues have exceeded Rs 480 crore.
- Violence against TSECL staff has been reported during disconnections.
- Only 15% of consumers in Khowai are paying their bills.
- Timely payments are essential for maintaining electricity services.
Agartala, Dec 10 (NationPress) Despite numerous appeals, over 50% of Tripura's approximately nine lakh electricity consumers have been neglecting their monthly power bills for several years, as revealed by an official from the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) on Wednesday.
A senior TSECL official disclosed that only about 4.32 lakh consumers, primarily from urban and town areas, consistently pay their electricity bills to the state-owned corporation.
This ongoing trend of non-payment has led to outstanding electricity bills accumulating to over Rs 480 crore to date. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has been continuously urging consumers at every TSECL event to settle their bills punctually.
“Some consumers have occasionally assaulted TSECL staff, including engineers and linemen, while they were attempting to disconnect the power supply of defaulters,” the TSECL official noted.
According to an official statement from TSECL, a concerning trend has surfaced in parts of Tripura, where certain electricity consumers are refusing to pay their bills while still demanding full services.
“Additionally, some of these defaulters are attempting to deflect blame onto TSECL, often using select media outlets as a cover to justify their non-payment,” the statement elaborated.
This issue was recently highlighted in two villages within the Khowai district.
TSECL records indicate that out of 38 consumers in these villages, only two have settled their electricity bills up to September 2025.
The average bill payment rate in the entire sub-division is a mere 15%. Despite repeated efforts from TSECL field staff, most consumers have declined to cooperate and instead opted to blame the corporation’s employees at every opportunity, the statement added.
It was also mentioned that due to faults in two transformers in Khowai district, electricity supply faced minimal disruption. “However, local residents exaggerated the situation, falsely claiming the area was without power for two months.
“Certain media outlets were also pulled into this misleading narrative. Eventually, it became clear that the motive behind spreading this false information was straightforward: if the story gained traction, TSECL staff would be unable to demand pending dues for the upcoming months. Essentially, the chaos was orchestrated to obscure prolonged non-payment of bills,” the statement clarified.
Clarifying its stance, TSECL reiterated its commitment to delivering uninterrupted and quality electricity to every region of Tripura.
“Whether it’s arranging alternative supply within hours, ensuring timely response in the field, or making swift decisions to install new transformers, each action reflects TSECL's dedication to maintaining reliable service,” it added.
The statement further emphasized that strengthening the system necessitates active collaboration from consumers. Timely bill payments not only sustain the service but also assist TSECL in upgrading and expanding its network.
The corporation urged all consumers to clear their outstanding dues and support the system that tirelessly works for them. TSECL stressed that responsibility lies on both sides, with the corporation committed to delivering power, while consumers must also fulfill their obligations by paying their bills on time.
Point of View
The situation in Tripura regarding electricity bill defaults reveals a broader issue of consumer responsibility and the challenges faced by utility providers. The TSECL's commitment to maintaining service quality amidst rising defaults highlights the need for collaboration between consumers and service providers. This ongoing challenge calls for urgent attention and solutions that ensure consumers fulfill their obligations to sustain essential services.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Tripura's electricity consumers are defaulting on payments?
Over 50% of Tripura's electricity consumers are currently defaulting on their payments.
How much money in electricity bills is currently outstanding in Tripura?
The outstanding electricity bills in Tripura have accumulated to over Rs 480 crore.
What actions has TSECL taken in response to non-payment?
TSECL officials have been urging consumers to pay their bills on time and have faced challenges, including violence against staff during disconnections.
What is the average bill payment rate in the Khowai district?
The average bill payment rate in the Khowai district stands at only 15%.
What is TSECL's commitment to consumers?
TSECL remains dedicated to providing uninterrupted and quality electricity services to every corner of Tripura.
