Power bill dues cross Rs 6.5k crore in Odisha, plan for strict recovery action

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is grappling with a staggering Rs 6,558.64 crore in unpaid electricity bills from domestic and commercial consumers across the state, prompting authorities to step up recovery measures.Deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo recently said this in the state assembly in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Rama Chandra Kadam.Replying to the query, the deputy CM said the arrears include dues from active industrial and commercial consumers spread across four major power distribution sectors. “According to data received from distribution licensees, the total outstanding amount stands at Rs 6,558.64 crore,” he stated in the written reply.Among the four divisions, TP North Odisha Distribution Ltd tops the list with Rs 229.21 crore, followed by TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd at Rs 70.52 crore, TP Western Odisha Distribution Ltd at Rs 75.62 crore and TP South Odisha Distribution Ltd at Rs 23.58 crore.The combined arrears from these active industrial and commercial consumers amount to Rs 398.93 crore. Officials clarified that detailed consumer-wise data has been shared with the govt on digital media.

Singh Deo further revealed that to tackle the mounting dues, the energy department has directed distribution companies to adopt aggressive recovery strategies. These include door-to-door collection drives, special payment camps and disconnection of power supply for chronic defaulters after prior notice. “Consumers who fail to clear bills within the stipulated time are being served notices, and their connections are being disconnected if payments are not made,” Deo explained.Moreover, online payment facilities have been strengthened to make transactions easier for consumers. The govt is also focusing on digital literacy campaigns in rural areas through gram panchayats to encourage timely bill payments.Officials admitted that despite repeated efforts, arrears continued to pile up, largely because of delays by bulk consumers and certain govt entities. The department has warned that stricter enforcement, including legal action, may follow if dues remain unpaid.In the meantime, the massive outstanding amount has raised concerns about the financial health of distribution companies and the impact on power supply infrastructure. “We are stepping up our collection drive,” a TPCODL spokesperson said.