Pune, 21st September 2024: The ‘Abhay Yojana’ launched by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has seen participation from 5,538 electricity consumers in Western Maharashtra, seeking relief from arrears. This scheme, which allows consumers to restore their power supply by paying only the original dues either in a lump sum or in six installments, has proven to be popular, with 5,312 consumers opting for the one-time payment method to avail greater discounts.
The ‘Abhay Yojana’ offers a 100% waiver on interest and late fees for electricity consumers whose supply has been permanently disconnected due to non-payment until March 31, 2024. The scheme, which began on September 1, will remain open until November 30, leaving 70 days for consumers to benefit from this opportunity. The scheme applies to domestic, commercial, industrial, and other non-agricultural consumers, excluding public water supply schemes and agricultural customers.
For those paying the original dues in a single payment, an additional discount is provided. Low-pressure consumers are eligible for a 10% discount, while high-pressure consumers receive a 5% reduction. Alternatively, consumers can also pay 30% of their outstanding amount upfront, and the remaining 70% can be settled in six interest-free installments.
In Western Maharashtra, 6.29 lakh non-agricultural consumers currently owe a total of ₹901.97 crore. Of this, ₹762.19 crore is the principal amount, and if paid, the remaining ₹139.78 crore in interest and late fees will be waived. Pune Regional Director Bhujang Khandare has emphasized that Mahavitaran is committed to providing relief and restoring power to these consumers.
Among the 5,538 participants in the scheme, their combined arrears amount to ₹11.55 crore. If they pay the original dues of ₹10.06 crore, the interest and late fees will be waived. Notably, 5,312 consumers have chosen to settle their outstanding dues of ₹9 crore in one lump sum, and 4,062 of them have already paid ₹4.05 crore. The participation includes 2,788 consumers from Pune, 251 from Satara, 879 from Solapur, 321 from Kolhapur, and 1,299 from Sangli.
The Supreme Court has ruled that even after a change in ownership of a property, the new owner or tenant is liable to clear any outstanding electricity dues. Therefore, MSEDCL has extended this opportunity to all property owners, regardless of whether the property is in use or not. The scheme is also available to consumers in areas under Mahavitaran’s franchise.
Consumers interested in taking advantage of this scheme can pay their dues through Mahadiscom’s website (www.mahadiscom.in) or mobile app. Additionally, consumers are encouraged to visit their nearest Mahavitaran office for more information.