Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has launched an amnesty scheme — Abhay — for consumers whose power supply was permanently disconnected due to outstanding bills. In the first 27 days, 6,490 consumers from the Vidarbha region expressed interest in the scheme, with 5,077 of them already benefiting from it. MSEDCL’s Regional Director, Nagpur, Paresh Bhagwat, urged more consumers to take advantage of this opportunity to clear their dues.

Across Vidarbha, consumers benefiting from the scheme have paid a total of ₹5.76 crore towards their outstanding bills. Nagpur district has the highest number of beneficiaries, with 1,216 consumers availing the scheme so far. Buldhana (818 consumers), Gadchiroli (549), Washim (355), Chandrapur (358), Yavatmal (340), Akola (347), Amravati (340), Wardha (247), Bhandara (200), and Gondia (307) districts also saw significant participation. Out of the 6,490 applicants, 3,333 consumers applied for reconnection, while 1,212 requested new connections.

In Nagpur city and rural areas, 1,216 consumers have taken advantage of the scheme. Of these, 1,115 opted for a one-time payment, while 101 consumers chose the option of paying 30% upfront and the remaining amount in six installments. MSEDCL has collected ₹2.43 crore from these consumers, with around 47% of the total amount from Vidarbha coming from the Nagpur region alone.

MSEDCL launched the amnesty scheme for consumers from September 1 to November 30. Under the scheme, consumers with permanently disconnected power due to unpaid bills can settle their dues by paying the principal amount, with interest and late fees waived. Those paying their outstanding dues in full receive a 10% discount for low-tension consumers and a 5% discount for high-tension consumers. Consumers also have the option to pay 30% of the principal amount upfront, with the balance payable in six installments. Immediate reconnection is provided to those taking advantage of the scheme, except for agricultural consumers.

As per a Supreme Court ruling, even if the ownership of a property changes, the outstanding electricity dues must be paid by the new owner or occupant. MSEDCL has the right to recover the dues but has introduced the amnesty scheme to give consumers an opportunity to settle their debts.

MSEDCL's Amnesty Scheme 2024 presents a golden opportunity for domestic, commercial, industrial, and other consumers with permanently disconnected power supplies to clear their dues. Paresh Bhagwat, the Regional Director of Nagpur, has called on more consumers to take advantage of this scheme and avoid legal action.