Following the conclusion of Diwali celebrations, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has launched an aggressive campaign to recover outstanding electricity bills totaling ₹436 crore from consumers across the Pune circle.
Post-Festive Recovery Drive Intensifies
The power utility had temporarily slowed its recovery operations during the past one and a half months to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during major festivals including Dussehra and Diwali. However, with the festive season now concluded, MSEDCL has reactivated its collection efforts with renewed vigor throughout November.
According to official data, there are over 38 lakh electricity consumers in the Pune circle, of which 8,44,381 consumers have outstanding payments. The massive recovery drive targets these defaulters who collectively owe ₹436 crore and forty-nine lakh in pending electricity bills.
Division-Wise Breakdown of Outstanding Dues
As of November 6, the division-wise arrears present a concerning picture of electricity bill defaults in the region. The Pune Rural Division leads with 2,76,943 consumers owing ₹262 crore, followed by the Ganeshkhind Urban Division where 2,74,306 consumers have pending bills of ₹90 crore and forty-four lakh. The Rastapeth Urban Division accounts for 2,93,132 defaulting consumers with outstanding amounts totaling ₹80 crore and three lakh.
Recovery Strategy and Consumer Consequences
To accelerate the collection process, MSEDCL has implemented a structured recovery approach by forming sub-division-wise recovery teams. Each employee has been assigned specific collection targets to ensure systematic coverage of all defaulting consumers.
The power distribution company has issued a clear warning to consumers with pending bills, urging them to clear their outstanding amounts along with current month's payments to avoid power disconnection. For those who ignore this appeal, the consequences include immediate disconnection of electricity supply and additional financial penalties.
Consumers facing disconnection will be required to pay reconnection fees of ₹310 for single-phase connections and ₹520 for three-phase connections, over and above their outstanding bill amounts. MSEDCL has reiterated its appeal for timely bill payments to prevent unnecessary inconvenience and additional charges for consumers.
The utility emphasizes that while it prioritized uninterrupted power supply during festivals, consumers now need to fulfill their payment obligations promptly. The intensified recovery drive signals MSEDCL's determination to address the significant revenue gap created by mounting arrears in the Pune circle.
