Punjab Waives Rs 518 Crore Power Bill Penalties for 24.86 Lakh Homesਪੰਜਾਬ ਵੱਲੋਂ 24.86 ਲੱਖ ਘਰਾਂ ਦੇ 518 ਕਰੋੜ ਦੇ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਜੁਰਮਾਨੇ ਮੁਆਫ਼

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme that waives Rs 518 crore of penalties and interest for about 24.86 lakh domestic electricity consumers who have defaulted on their bills, according to The Tribune, The New Indian Express and The Statesman. The scheme comes months before the 2027 Assembly election.

How does the OTS scheme work?

Consumers will pay only the principal amount of their pending bills; penalty and interest are waived. The scheme covers bills outstanding as of March 31, 2026, and stays open for 45 days from the date of notification. The Statesman reports that eligible consumers can opt for a staggered payment plan.

What is the payment schedule?

Beneficiaries must deposit 25 per cent of the outstanding amount upfront. The remaining 75 per cent can be paid in two six-monthly instalments, the Tribune and Punjabi Tribune report.

How big are the dues?

Mann said total outstanding dues of the 24.86 lakh domestic consumers come to Rs 2,516 crore, of which Rs 518 crore will be written off by the state government, as reported by The New Indian Express. Mann said the notification would be issued on Saturday, November 14, after which the scheme takes effect immediately. According to Ajit, bills will be sent to consumers' homes, so people need not search for the process.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is for domestic consumers only, per the reports. Mann appealed to all eligible households to settle dues within the 45-day window. This follows PSPCL's earlier suspension of disconnections over disputed or inflated bills, reported in September.

Who can use Punjab's electricity OTS scheme?

Domestic electricity consumers in Punjab whose bills were outstanding as of March 31, 2026.

How long is the OTS window?

45 days from the date of notification, which Mann said would be issued on November 14.

How much do consumers have to pay upfront?

25 per cent of the outstanding principal, with the rest in two six-monthly instalments.