The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has reintroduced the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme aimed at providing relief to defaulting electricity consumers. The scheme, scheduled to run from November 8 to December 31, has been designed with multiple sections to cater to different categories of consumers grappling with pending electricity bill dues.
Three-phase Implementation of the OTS Scheme
Announced by Energy Minister AK Sharma, the OTS scheme will be executed in three distinct phases spanning 54 days. The first phase is set from November 8 to 30, followed by the second phase from December 1 to 15, and finally, the third phase from December 16 to 31.
Rebate and Discount Structure
Under this initiative, consumers with loads up to one kilowatt can obtain up to 100 percent rebate on surcharge amounts if they clear their payments in the first and second phases. The third phase offers an 80 percent rebate on full payment. For loads exceeding one kilowatt, consumers can secure a 90 percent discount by paying within the stipulated periods, reducing to 70 percent after the deadline.
Flexible Payment Options
The OTS scheme provides options for installment-based payments. Consumers can opt for a 12-installment plan, allowing a delay in depositing a maximum of three installments, although consecutive installment delays are prohibited. A six-installment plan disallows any late deposits.
Surcharge Exemption and Registration Process
The scheme offers an exemption in the surcharge for all consumers (except farmers with private tube wells) on the basic dues until October 31. Farmers with private tube wells will receive a surcharge exemption until March 31. To avail of the scheme’s benefits, defaulting consumers need to deposit 30 percent of the original dues as a registration amount.
Online Registration and Additional Benefits
Registration for the OTS scheme can be completed both online, through the departmental website uppcl.org, and at departmental offices. Consumers can request bill amendments and view revised bills online. The scheme’s benefits extend to cases of electricity theft, irregularities, pending court cases, and even permanently disconnected connections due to arrears.
Special Conditions for RC Consumers
Consumers against whom Recovery Certificates (RC) have been issued can also participate in the scheme. However, they must deposit collection charges separately to benefit from the OTS scheme.
Energy Minister Sharma has encouraged defaulting consumers to take advantage of the scheme and clear their dues. The scheme’s details have been conveyed to all distribution companies by Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director of Power Corporation. This re-implementation of the OTS scheme aims to provide relief to defaulting electricity consumers after its previous closure on December 31, 2021.
