Reliance Energy to cut off supply to Mumbai slum over Rs63 crore dues

Siddharth Colony is a major slum in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai and a significant number of residents come from socially backward communities.

In one of the biggest crackdowns for non-payment of dues, Reliance Energy said it will discontinue power supply to 3,250 consumers of Siddharth Colony in Chembur for outstanding dues that have now reached up to ₹63 crore.

Reliance Energy would use section 56 (1) of Electricity Act, 2003, to cut off the supply to the residents. (HT File)

Reliance Energy would use section 56 (1) of Electricity Act, 2003, to do so. Siddharth Colony is a major slum in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai and a significant number of residents come from socially backward communities. According to a release issued by Reliance Energy, “Despite several notices, offers of payment through installments, and token disconnections, these residents have not paid their bills, resulting in arrears mounting to ₹63 crore in over ten years.”

This results in higher tariffs for other customers of the DISCOM, nearly 70% of whom come from economically weaker sections. Reliance Energy said it will restore supply immediately upon the payment.

A former corporator from the area and NCP leader Ravindra Pawar said the state should intervene. “You can’t just disconnect electricity of thousands in one go,” said Pawar. He said builders redeveloping the slums are to be blamed. “They had promised that they would pay the bills but did not do so. The residents are poor and can’t pay such an amount,” he said.