Discoms obligated to pay for electricity within 45 days: Power Ministry

With its relief being construed as a moratorium on payments, the Union Power Ministry has clarified that electricity distribution companies will continue to be obligated to pay for power within 45 days of presentation of the bill.

It, however, lowered late payment charges for the period between March 24 and June 30.

In a letter addressed to heads of power/energy departments of all states, the Union Power Ministry on Monday said there has been some “misconception” regarding its last month order that had relaxed norms for a payment security mechanism.

“It is made clear the obligation to pay for the power within 45 days of the presentation of the bill (or the period given in the power purchase agreement) remains the same,” it said. As per the relief granted last month, the distribution companies will need to either deposit or give Letter of Credit (LoC) for 50 per cent of the cost of power they want to buy.