Bhubaneswar: Odisha has a cumulative outstanding electricity dues of Rs 6,956.93 crore, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to a question by Congress MLA Rama Chandra Kadam, Singh Deo, who also holds the Energy portfolio, said that dome
stic consumers are the biggest defaulters, with Rs 6,558 crore pending dues, while industrial and commercial consumers owe power distribution companies (discoms) Rs 398.93 crore.
The minister said discoms are taking multiple measures to recover the dues. “Monthly domestic electricity bills are being collected through door-to-door visits, while the pending dues are being collected through special camps. If a customer does not pay the bill on time, the power supply is disconnected after notices are issued,” he added.
The Minister further informed that an online payment system has also been set up and awareness campaigns are being conducted through street plays in rural areas.