Dehradun, Oct 29 Government departments in Uttarakhand owe Rs 539.61 crore in unpaid electricity bills to power utilities as of September 30, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was informed during a power sector review meeting.
In a review meeting of the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) and Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL), Dhami placed special emphasis on the timely settlement of these outstanding electricity bills owed by various government departments across the state. He directed the concerned officials to formulate an effective action plan to ensure government departments settle these pending electricity liabilities.
He also instructed that the remaining balance of approximately Rs 166 crore — from the funds sanctioned in the supplementary budget—be released to UPAKALI (Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited) to expedite the relevant projects and payment processes.
Under the Government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), instructions were issued to prioritise the budget allocation required to convert all smart meters installed in government offices and buildings to a ‘prepaid’ mode during the first phase.
He further directed that the process of transitioning smart meters to a prepaid mode—as per the proposal submitted by UPAKALI—be taken forward, ensuring that the necessary training and other logistical arrangements are in place.
During the meeting, the Managing Directors of UPCL and PTCUL apprised the Chief Minister of the current financial position and the challenges faced by the corporations and discussions were held on improving the financial health of these entities, ensuring the timely settlement of pending liabilities, and securing the necessary financial resources.
The meeting also addressed the approval of additional budgetary demands, details regarding the division of assets and liabilities following the bifurcation of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, and the arrangement of funds for pending payments related to EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects being executed by UPCL.
The Chief Minister issued directives to take the necessary steps to strengthen the financial position of the corporations and resolve issues concerning pending payments. He also issued directives to take necessary action regarding payments for works carried out under various schemes, the availability of funds for capital projects, and the settlement of outstanding dues under the ‘Transfer Scheme’—which pertains to the division of assets and liabilities between the states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
He also instructed the power corporations to take concrete steps toward improving their financial health, utilising available resources effectively, and resolving pending liabilities.
(PTI News)
