Energy minister AK Sharma on Tuesday appealed to electricity consumers across Uttar Pradesh to take maximum advantage of the Electricity Bill Relief Scheme-2025, calling it a “historic” and pro-people initiative aimed at easing the long-standing financial burden of power dues.
Citing overwhelming public response, the UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) on Wednesday extended the first phase of the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme by three days, till January 3.
Consumers who register and deposit their dues by then will continue to get the full benefit available in the first phase, including 100% waiver on surcharge and substantial relief on principal amounts.
Interacting virtually with over 50 electricity bill relief camps across districts such as Azamgarh, Ballia, Mau and Prayagraj, Sharma said the large turnout at camps reflected the trust of poor and middle-class consumers in the scheme. Several consumers shared emotional accounts, saying they were finally free from the mental stress of electricity dues accumulated over 15-20 years.
UPPCL chairman Ashish Goyal said around 27 lakh consumers had registered so far, generating nearly ₹2,900 crore in revenue. He directed officials to intensify outreach, especially to never-paid, long-unpaid and theft-related consumers, and ensure no eligible beneficiary was left out.