One-Time Settlement Scheme offers complete waiver of penalties and interest; disconnected connections to be restored

Chandigarh, 13 November (H.S.):In a major relief to domestic electricity consumers across Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday announced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme offering a 100 per cent waiver of penalties and interest on outstanding electricity bills up to March 31, 2026.

The initiative will benefit 24.86 lakh domestic consumers, with the state government waiving ₹518 crore in accumulated penalties and interest against outstanding electricity dues of approximately ₹2,516 crore.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families facing financial difficulties. He emphasised that governance was not merely about collecting revenue but also about standing by people during challenging times.

Under the scheme, eligible consumers will be required to deposit 25 per cent of their outstanding principal amount initially. The remaining amount can be cleared through instalments, with provisions for additional time for consumers facing financial difficulties.

Mann said the flexible payment mechanism would enable families to settle their outstanding electricity bills without the burden of accumulated penalties and interest.

The Chief Minister announced that the scheme would cover all domestic electricity consumers, including those whose connections had been disconnected due to non-payment of bills.

Consumers who clear their outstanding principal amount under the scheme will become eligible for restoration of their electricity connections.

The scheme will remain open for 45 days from the issuance of the commercial circular. The notification is scheduled to be issued on November 14, following which the scheme will come into immediate effect.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will dispatch special OTS bills and notices to eligible consumers within seven days. These bills will specify the total outstanding dues, the amount of penalties and interest being waived, and the principal amount payable.

The payment process has also been simplified, with revised outstanding amounts automatically updated in consumers’ online accounts and electricity bills after payment.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to public welfare, Mann said the ₹518 crore waiver would provide lakhs of families an opportunity to overcome the burden of accumulated electricity dues.

The Chief Minister appealed to all eligible domestic consumers to avail themselves of the scheme within the stipulated period, describing the initiative as another significant step towards improving the lives of ordinary households across Punjab.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH