Pune Consumers Can Settle Electricity Arrears With Discounts at Lok Adalat; Check Dates Here

Pune, 9th December 2024: The Pune District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is organizing a Lok Adalat on Saturday, 14th December, to address over 40,000 arrears cases of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) consumers with permanently disconnected electricity supply in the Pune Zone. Additionally, 122 cases related to electricity theft have been filed for resolution.

The PD Amnesty Scheme 2024 has been introduced to benefit consumers with permanent power disconnections. This scheme is available for small and high-voltage domestic, commercial, industrial, and other electricity consumers (excluding agricultural and public water supply schemes) who lost electricity due to unpaid bills.

Approximately 40,000 pre-dispute cases are being considered for resolution under this scheme. Consumers will benefit from a 100% waiver of interest and late fees on their total outstanding amount, requiring payment of only the principal amount.

For those opting for the PD Amnesty Scheme 2024, low-voltage consumers paying the principal in a single payment will receive an additional 10% discount, while high-voltage consumers will receive a 5% discount. Alternatively, consumers can pay 30% of the dues upfront and the remaining 70% in six interest-free installments. New electricity connections can also be availed on demand.

As part of this initiative, 122 cases under the Electricity Act, 2003, in the Pune Zone have been scheduled for mediation during the Lok Adalat. Consumers settling electricity theft cases will receive a 10% to 15% discount on the billed amount. For cases where a charge sheet has not yet been filed in court, settlements can be completed during the Lok Adalat.

The Supreme Court has clarified that electricity distribution companies have the right to recover arrears from new property owners or occupants, even if ownership of the premises has changed. MSEDCL is urging consumers whose premises have been disconnected due to arrears to take advantage of this opportunity to clear dues.

The Lok Adalat provides a platform for resolving disputes, settling electricity theft cases, and ensuring reconnections. MSEDCL has encouraged consumers to participate and utilize this chance to settle criminal cases and arrears.