CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Announces Big Gift For More Than 24 Lakh Electricity Consumers In Punjab

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a major relief for domestic electricity consumers through a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme. Under this initiative, the state government will waive 100% of penalties and interest on outstanding electricity bills up to March 31, 2026.

The scheme is expected to benefit 24.86 lakh families across Punjab. Consumers will only have to pay the principal amount of their pending electricity bills, while the government will waive penalties and interest worth ₹518 crore.

How Can Consumers Pay Their Pending Electricity Bills in Installments?

Under the OTS scheme, consumers will have to deposit 25% of their outstanding principal amount upfront. The remaining 75% can be paid in two easy installments over one year.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also said that consumers facing financial difficulties may receive an additional six-month extension to complete their payments. The flexible payment arrangement aims to ensure that families can clear their dues without facing additional financial pressure.

Will Disconnected Electricity Connections Be Restored?

The scheme will cover all domestic electricity consumers, including those whose connections have already been disconnected due to unpaid bills.

Consumers with disconnected connections can also avail themselves of the scheme. Their electricity connections will become eligible for restoration once they clear the outstanding principal amount under the prescribed conditions.

How Long Will the OTS Scheme Remain Open?

According to the Chief Minister, the scheme will cover all outstanding domestic electricity dues up to March 31, 2026.

It will remain open for 45 days from the issuance of the commercial circular. The government announced that the notification would be issued on Saturday, November 14, after which the scheme would come into effect.

CM Bhagwant Mann appealed to eligible consumers to take advantage of the scheme within the stipulated period.

How Will Consumers Receive OTS Bills and Payment Details?

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will send special OTS bills and notices to all eligible consumers within the next seven days.

These notices will mention the total outstanding amount, the penalty and interest being waived, and the actual principal amount payable by consumers.

The payment process will also be available online. Once the required payment is made, the revised outstanding amount will automatically be updated in the system and reflected in the consumer's online account and revised electricity bill.

Why Has the Punjab Government Announced This Scheme?

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said several families were unable to pay their electricity bills due to financial difficulties. As a result, penalties and interest continued to accumulate, increasing their financial burden.

He said the government wants to give these households an opportunity to settle their dues without additional charges.

The Chief Minister added that the ₹518 crore waiver is aimed at providing meaningful financial relief to ordinary families and making it easier for them to clear their pending electricity bills.