Rangsakona MLA Zenith Sangma today questioned why the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) did not crack down sooner on big industrial companies for not paying their electricity bills.
In the Assembly, Zenith pointed to two companies that reportedly owe Rs 24 crore and Rs 20 crore to the power utility.
“The MeECL should have aimed at realizing these amounts from companies who are making profits but not paying their dues,” the Congress legislator stated.
The MeECL is currently reeling under the weight of non-payment by consumers to the tune of more than Rs 500 crore. A one-time settlement (OTS) scheme is currently open to the public and big businesses who have defaulted on their electricity bills. Defaulters have until March 31 to take advantage of the scheme, which offers discounts and/or waiver of late payment fees.
Zenith wanted an assurance that, after the expiry of the OTS scheme, all those industrial units who have still not paid their dues will have their power supply cut off.
In his reply, Power Minister James K Sangma said that the OTS order clearly states that the MeECL will start rigorous disconnection of power of defaulters as per section 56 of Electricity Act 2003 after March 31.
The minister said many industries have come forward to avail of the OTS scheme.
“This is a great opportunity not just for industries but for everyone who has big outstanding dues. To have a 30 percent waiver is a big relief for any consumer, be it industries or domestic,” he added.
So far Rs 14.46 crore has been paid by industrial units under the OTS.
