Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 19: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) announced today that it has intensified its drive against non-payment of electricity bills by remotely disconnecting thousands of smart-metered consumers.
In flat-rated areas, KPDCL stated that power connections for consumers who have not paid their pending dues for months are being physically disconnected until they clear their bills with KPDCL.
A KPDCL spokesperson mentioned that as a service provider, timely clearance of bills by all categories of consumers is necessary for the electricity supply to remain economically viable.
On Thursday, it said, 1,134 smart-metered consumers were disconnected in the Electric Division Chanapora.
Additionally, the electricity supply for 440 consumers in ESD Baramulla I, 240 in ESD Baramulla II, and 228 in ESD Qazigund was also cut off.
A large number of consumers are being remotely disconnected across other subdivisions, including Habba Kadal, Watalkadal, Hawal, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore, Budgam, Chadoora, Zainakote, Zakura, Nishat, and Dalgate, for not paying bills for over three months, KPDCL said.
Seeking cooperation from all consumers in clearing pending dues, the spokesperson said that KPDCL will further accelerate disconnection drives against defaulter consumers who are reluctant to pay their electricity bills on time.
Urging consumers with a large outstanding balance to avail themselves of the benefits of the Government’s Power Amnesty Scheme, the spokesperson advised them to approach the concerned Electric Subdivision to pay the principal amount in full or in installments, enabling them to claim a waiver on the late payment surcharge.
“To facilitate consumers, KPDCL is organizing Amnesty Camps on a daily basis across all Electric Divisions, and so far, over 1 lakh domestic consumers have availed themselves of the benefits of the scheme.”
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