Rules for electricity bill settlement scheme finalised, notification on November 14

The Punjab government has released the rules and payment system for the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme announced for domestic electricity consumers in the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the official notification in this regard will be issued on Saturday, November 14, and consumers will have a period of 45 days after the circular is released.

According to the Chief Minister, this initiative will provide direct relief to 24.86 lakh families in the state. Out of the total dues of around Rs 2,516 crore pending against consumers, penalties and surcharges amounting to Rs 518 crore will be completely waived.

Under the new rules, interest and late fees on unpaid bills up to March 31, 2026, have been removed, and only the actual principal amount will have to be paid. Of this, 25 per cent will have to be paid initially, while the remaining 75 per cent can be paid in installments over a year. Families facing financial distress may also get an additional six-month grace period.

The Chief Minister clarified that households whose electricity connections have been cut due to non-payment of bills will also be able to be included in this scheme. Their connections will be restored as soon as the stipulated principal amount is deposited.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will issue separate OTS bills and notices to eligible families within a week. These papers will provide a separate breakdown of the total dues, waived interest, and the principal amount to be deposited.

The government has kept the payment process online, so that the revised amount will be recorded in the system as soon as the money is deposited, and consumers will not have to suffer in offices.

Key developments

• Formal notification of the OTS scheme will be issued on November 14
• The scheme will remain open for 45 days after the circular comes out
• 25 per cent principal amount to be paid immediately and the remaining 75 per cent in installments within a year
• Disconnected connections will be re-linked after payment of the principal amount
• Powercom will send special bills with details to consumers within a week