MUMBAI: Power supply to 100 consumers in Siddharth Colony in Chembur was snapped on Friday over pending dues, which amount to Rs 115 crore in total from around 1,100 families. The action prompted protests from residents, who demanded restoration of supply on “humanitarian grounds”.
An official from Adani Electricity said the defaulters, whose count is among the highest in any colony in areas covered by the power utility firm, have not paid their bills since 2005, and the interest and penalties have accrued.
In 2019, too, power supply had been disconnected in the colony after residents stopped paying their bills, under the presumption that their dues would be paid by prospective builders/developers when they take up their slums and chawls for redevelopment. An outcry followed that action, with many residents protesting outside the Adani office at Tilak Nagar and some going on a fast-unto-death. The power supply was restored after a few political parties intervened and held talks with Adani and govt officials.
The agreement then was that the liability of past and new bills would remain with individual consumers, said an official. “Since 2019, of the 3,500 families in the colony, almost 70% have become regular paying consumers. But the remaining continue to take electricity supply without paying. In fact, our survey showed that some of these families have high consumption levels with multiple air-conditioners, televisions, and other appliances,” he said.
In a statement, Adani Electricity said, “When residents refuse to pay for electricity, it places an unfair burden on our other customers who regularly pay their bills on time… While we are committed to finding sustainable solutions and supporting the community, residents must understand they cannot evade their responsibility to pay for the electricity they consume.”
An official from Adani Electricity said the defaulters, whose count is among the highest in any colony in areas covered by the power utility firm, have not paid their bills since 2005, and the interest and penalties have accrued.
In 2019, too, power supply had been disconnected in the colony after residents stopped paying their bills, under the presumption that their dues would be paid by prospective builders/developers when they take up their slums and chawls for redevelopment. An outcry followed that action, with many residents protesting outside the Adani office at Tilak Nagar and some going on a fast-unto-death. The power supply was restored after a few political parties intervened and held talks with Adani and govt officials.
The agreement then was that the liability of past and new bills would remain with individual consumers, said an official. “Since 2019, of the 3,500 families in the colony, almost 70% have become regular paying consumers. But the remaining continue to take electricity supply without paying. In fact, our survey showed that some of these families have high consumption levels with multiple air-conditioners, televisions, and other appliances,” he said.
In a statement, Adani Electricity said, “When residents refuse to pay for electricity, it places an unfair burden on our other customers who regularly pay their bills on time… While we are committed to finding sustainable solutions and supporting the community, residents must understand they cannot evade their responsibility to pay for the electricity they consume.”
We also published the following articles recently
Get ready to pay 24% more on power bills
Chandigarh household power tariff set to increase by 24% as recommended by the administration to JERC, seeking hikes for all consumer categories, especially farmers.
Chandigarh household power tariff set to increase by 24% as recommended by the administration to JERC, seeking hikes for all consumer categories, especially farmers.
Power outages worsen woes of residents
Peak power demand in Patna reached a record high of 857MW due to soaring temperatures, leading to increased complaints about power outages and load shedding.
Peak power demand in Patna reached a record high of 857MW due to soaring temperatures, leading to increased complaints about power outages and load shedding.
Prepare to pay more for using power in state from tomorrow
Goa electricity consumers face higher power tariffs from June 16, approved by JERC. Energy charges per unit increased for various consumer categories, excluding military and defence. Department justifies hike to reduce reliance on state govt support.
Goa electricity consumers face higher power tariffs from June 16, approved by JERC. Energy charges per unit increased for various consumer categories, excluding military and defence. Department justifies hike to reduce reliance on state govt support.
