Introduction: The Unpaid Dues Challenge in Noida
Despite the rollout of the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), ₹317 crore in power dues remains unpaid in Noida. The scheme, introduced in three phases between December 15, 2024, and January 31, 2025, aimed to incentivize defaulters to clear their dues. However, with only 13,500 consumers availing the benefits in the first phase, around 1.17 lakh defaulters are yet to pay.
The power department is now ramping up efforts, with stricter enforcement and recovery measures planned.
OTS Scheme: Phases and Benefits
The OTS scheme offers significant incentives to defaulters by waiving a portion of their surcharge on unpaid bills. Here’s how the scheme was structured:
1. Phase 1 (Dec 15 – Dec 31, 2024):
• 100% surcharge waiver for those who cleared dues in full during this period.
2. Phase 2 (Jan 1 – Jan 15, 2025):
• 80% surcharge waiver offered to consumers.
3. Phase 3 (Jan 16 – Jan 31, 2025):
• 70% surcharge waiver provided in the final phase.
Additionally, the scheme allowed for instalment-based payments, offering flexibility to domestic, commercial, institutional, industrial, and permanently disconnected consumers.
Recovery Drive: Tougher Actions on Defaulters
With the completion of the OTS scheme’s initial phases, UPPCL is shifting towards stricter recovery measures. In a recent meeting with senior officials, Harish Bansal, Chief Zonal Engineer of the Noida power department, outlined key directives:
• Setting up recovery camps to encourage defaulters to pay their dues.
• Identifying large defaulters and disconnecting their power lines if payments aren’t made promptly.
• Deploying the vigilance team in theft-prone areas to curb power theft.
• Publicizing the OTS scheme to ensure maximum participation in its remaining phases.
Bansal emphasized that recovery from the remaining 1.17 lakh defaulters should be completed by the end of February.
Infrastructure Maintenance Plan for February
The Noida power department has also declared February as the maintenance month, with activities including:
• Trimming of overgrown trees and branches to prevent power outages.
• Repairing damaged power lines and poles to enhance supply reliability.
• Upgrading critical infrastructure ahead of peak summer demand.
Additionally, discussions on the 2025 infrastructure upgrade have begun, with tendering planned immediately after UPPCL’s approval.
Why Strict Implementation Is Necessary
Key reasons for stricter implementation include:
• Preventing revenue losses: Timely recovery is essential to maintain the financial health of the power department.
• Ensuring service quality: Unpaid dues limit funds for infrastructure development and maintenance, affecting service quality for compliant consumers.
• Promoting fairness: Stricter measures ensure that defaulters don’t take unfair advantage while regular payers continue to bear the financial burden.
Next Steps for Consumers
Consumers can still take advantage of the OTS scheme before stricter enforcement begins:
1. Visit the nearest recovery camp to explore payment options.
2. Inquire about instalment plans for flexibility in clearing dues.
3. Act quickly to avoid disconnection and penalties.
Conclusion: A Critical Phase for Noida’s Power Sector
With ₹30.40 crore recovered but ₹317 crore still pending, the power department faces a critical challenge. The success of the OTS scheme depends on balancing incentives with enforcement.
Defaulters must act quickly—clear dues now or face disconnection and penalties. As recovery efforts intensify, timely action is the best way forward.
Ready to clear your dues? Don’t wait until it’s too late!
