Nagpur: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has urged its consumers to opt for online bill payment to avoid financial penalties and inconvenience caused by cheque bounces.
Every month, thousands of cheques submitted by customers for electricity bill payments are dishonored due to various reasons. This not only results in a ₹885 penalty but also causes mental distress for the customers.
Cheque Bounce Penalties and Consequences:
If a cheque issued for bill payment bounces, consumers face a ₹750 penalty plus 18% GST or bank charges, whichever is higher. This can result in a total loss of up to ₹885.
Additionally, delayed payments caused by a bounced cheque may attract late fees in the subsequent bill. Under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881, cheque bounce incidents can lead to criminal charges, and the customer’s cheque payment facility may be suspended temporarily.
Moreover, a bounced cheque can negatively impact the customer’s CIBIL score, and MSEDCL may initiate action to disconnect the electricity supply if the bill remains unpaid.
Common Reasons for Cheque Bounce:
Cheques often bounce due to:
• Incorrect date entries
• Overwriting or cancellations
• Signature mismatches
• Incorrect recipient name
• Insufficient account balance
How to Prevent Cheque Bounce:
To avoid such issues, MSEDCL advises customers to:
• Prefer online bill paymentfor added convenience.
• Ensure their account has sufficient funds before issuing a cheque.
• Submit cheques at least three days before the due dateto avoid delays.
• Carefully fill out cheques without errors.
Benefits of Online Bill Payment:
Choosing online payment methods offers several advantages:
✅ Customers can avail a 0.25% discount (up to ₹500) on online transactions.
✅ Bills can be paid anytime from the comfort of home.
✅ Online payments are secure and can be processed via trusted platforms.
Online Payment Options Available:
Consumers can pay their bills through:
• MSEDCL’s website: www.mahadiscom.in
• MSEDCL Mobile App
• Maha Power Pay
• Payment wallets like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and Cred
• Debit Cards, UPI, BHIM, Internet Banking, and Mobile Banking
• For electricity bills exceeding ₹10,000, customers in the low-tension category(residential, commercial, or industrial consumers) can opt for RTGSor NEFTtransactions.
MSEDCL urges all consumers to switch to online payment methodsto save time, avoid penalties, and ensure hassle-free bill settlement.
