Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has finally decided to pay the electricity bills of its departments by January 31 this year. The dues will be paid by the Central Finance Department.
Sources said around Rs 41.49 crore is outstanding at government offices under the four power distribution companies (discoms). The highest outstanding dues are around Rs 17.57 crore at offices under Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL). While TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) owes around Rs 14.75 crore to government offices, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) and TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) have pending bills of Rs 4.66 crore and Rs 4.51 crore respectively . ), respectively.
Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) had approved the one-time settlement scheme which was valid till April 21, 2023. But many offices did not opt for this, leading to pending electricity bills. A finance department official said the state government needs to set an example for others by being a model consumer, paying dues and paying power to discoms on time.
“The matter of payment of dues was under active consideration of the government. Ultimately, it has been decided to pay the dues at the central level through the department. Government offices will not be required to make any payment for the outstanding electricity dues relating to the period up to January 31,” he said.
