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Ludhiana:PSPCL snaps supply to 36 govt offices, tells them to clear dues
Action taken against negative government departments, civic bodies, police establishments, and public utility services
Intensifying its recovery drive against pending electricity dues, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has disconnected power supply to several government offices and installations across Ludhiana’s central zone after prepaid smart meter balances were exhausted and dues remained unpaid.
According to official data shared by the department, action was initiated against consumers linked to government departments, civic bodies, police establishments, and public utility services under various divisions of the central zone. The list includes offices of the horticulture department, improvement trust, municipal councils, police chowkis, and water supply-related installations.
Department records show that several consumers have negative prepaid balances running over thousands of rupees, while many others managed to avoid disconnection only after recharging meters or making partial payments. Officials said connections operating on the prepaid smart meter system are automatically disconnected once the balance is exhausted or if recharge is not done within the stipulated period.
Sources in PSPCL said around 36 government connections were disconnected during the enforcement drive. In some cases, water supply services were also affected temporarily after tubewell connections went offline, following which local authorities intervened and sought time for payment clearance.
The department has reportedly granted a final window to departments to clear pending dues, warning that supply will again be snapped if payments are not deposited within the extended deadline.
PSPCL officials said the drive is part of a larger statewide campaign to improve revenue recovery from chronic defaulters, including government institutions. Hospitals and essential emergency services, however, are being handled separately to avoid disruption of critical public services.
“The prepaid smart meter system is designed to ensure payment discipline. Consumers, including government departments, are expected to maintain a sufficient balance, just like mobile recharges. Once the balance is exhausted, supply is automatically disconnected,” said the chief engineer, PSPCL Central Zone.
He added, The department has already issued notices, and adequate time was given for depositing dues. Action is being taken uniformly against all defaulters as per PSPCL policy.
