You can pay power bills in instalments, Maharashtra energy minister tells consumers

Following complaints of “inflated bills” in the past two-three days, Maharashtra state energy minister Nitin Raut said that consumers need not pay the lump sum bill amount, but can do so in easy instalments.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Raut said that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) is not trying to “cheat” any consumer.

“As meter-reading was not possible in April and May, consumers have received bills with the actual reading of the past three months. There has also been a revision in rates as approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission since April 1,” Raut said, adding that MSEDCL has also faced losses worth ₹3,500 crore in the absence of physical reading.

“Consumers can pay the amount in instalments; we will not cut power supply in any case,” he added.