Nagpur: Launching an aggressive recovery drive with the slogan “March ending is here, don’t keep your bills pending,” Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), popularly known as Mahavitaran, has disconnected electricity supply of over 31,000 defaulting consumers across the Nagpur region.

According to officials, power supply to 31,295 consumers was cut off between March 1 and March 22 due to non-payment of pending electricity bills despite repeated notices. Currently, Mahavitaran is facing outstanding dues of approximately ₹54 crore from low-tension consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial categories.

Senior Officials Monitor Recovery Drive on Ground

Mahavitaran stated that its entire financial system depends on timely bill recovery to ensure uninterrupted power purchase and other operational payments. Taking the situation seriously, senior officials including Chief Engineer Dilip Dodke and Superintending Engineers Amit Paranjpe, Sanjay Wakde, and Smita Parkhi are personally visiting various division offices to monitor recovery efforts and review progress on the ground.

Strict Vigil Against Power Theft

The crackdown is not limited to disconnections. Special teams are conducting surprise inspections at premises where electricity supply has been cut. If any defaulter is found using electricity illegally—either through neighbours or other unauthorized means—strict legal action is being taken against both the supplier and the user.

To facilitate consumers, Mahavitaran has also decided to keep all authorized bill payment centres open even on holidays during this month.

Region-Wise Action Taken

• Nagpur Urban Division: Power cut for 20,558 consumers over dues of ₹42.26 crore
• Nagpur Rural Division: Power cut for 6,410 consumers over dues of ₹8.37 crore
• Wardha Division: Power cut for 4,357 consumers over dues of ₹3.40 crore

Notably, 19,725 consumers restored their electricity supply immediately after clearing their dues following disconnection.

Penalty Warning for Cheque Bounce

Mahavitaran has also warned consumers paying via cheque to exercise caution. In case of cheque bounce due to incorrect details or insufficient balance, a penalty of ₹750 plus 18% GST (approximately ₹885) will be imposed. Additionally, it may negatively impact the consumer’s CIBIL score and temporarily restrict cheque payment facilities.

To avoid inconvenience and penalties, Mahavitaran has urged consumers to opt for online bill payment and clear dues on time instead of waiting until the last date.