OTS Scheme in UP: One-Time Settlement Scheme for Electricity Bills to Provide Relief to Consumers with Overdue Bills
Uttar Pradesh: One-Time Settlement Scheme for Electricity Bills (2024-25) Launched
The One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for electricity bill defaulters in Uttar Pradesh has been implemented for the 2024-25 period. This scheme will be carried out in three phases from December 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. To avail the benefits, consumers must register on the corporation’s website and pay 30% of the principal outstanding amount. They will receive discounts on the surcharge for the remaining dues.
Announcing the scheme in Mau, Energy Minister A.K. Sharma stated that under this scheme, electricity consumers across all categories will be given relief from delayed payment charges. A full exemption will be provided on a one-time payment. Consumers are required to pay 30% of the principal amount of outstanding bills (up to September 30, 2024) during registration, with discounts applied to the surcharge. A one-time payment option will be available at the time of registration.
Domestic consumers can opt to pay in 10 installments after registration, while other consumers (with load above 2 kW in urban areas) who defaulted under last year’s OTS scheme, which was introduced on November 8, 2023, will only be able to make a one-time payment. The first monthly installment will be considered due on the same date in the following month after registration.
Who will benefit from this scheme?
One-Time Settlement Scheme Details for Consumers in Uttar Pradesh
Under the scheme, domestic (LMV-1), commercial (LMV-2), private institutions (LMV-4B), industrial (LMV-6), and consumers with permanently disconnected connections are eligible for benefits.
Benefits for Domestic Consumers (Up to 1 kW Load)
Phase 1 (December 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024)
- For up to 1 kW load and a principal outstanding amount of up to ₹5000:
- 100% discount on a one-time payment.
- 75% discount on delayed payment surcharge for installment payments (in 10 installments).
- For outstanding amounts exceeding ₹5000:
- 70% discount on one-time payment.
- 60% discount on installment payments.
Phase 2 (January 1, 2025 – January 15, 2025)
- For up to ₹5000 outstanding amount:
- 80% discount on one-time payment.
- 65% discount on installment payments.
- For outstanding amounts exceeding ₹5000:
- 60% discount on one-time payment.
- 50% discount on installment payments.
Phase 3 (January 16, 2025 – January 31, 2025)
- For up to ₹5000 outstanding amount:
- 70% discount on one-time payment.
- 55% discount on installment payments.
- For outstanding amounts exceeding ₹5000:
- 50% discount on one-time payment.
- 40% discount on installment payments.
Discount for Domestic Consumers with More Than 1 kW Load
- Phase 1: A 60% discount for one-time payment, and 50% for payments made in 4 installments.
- Phase 2: A 50% discount for one-time payment, and 40% for installment payments.
- Phase 3: A 40% discount for one-time payment, and 30% for installment payments.
Discount for Commercial, Industrial, and Private Institutions
- Phase 1: A 60% discount for one-time payment, and 50% for payments made in 4 installments.
- Phase 2: A 50% discount for one-time payment, and 40% for installment payments.
- Phase 3: A 40% discount for one-time payment, and 30% for installment payments.
Benefits for Farmers
Farmers can benefit from a discount on delayed payment surcharges for private tube well bills up to March 31, 2023, by registering starting from March 7, 2024. All consumers can register for the scheme at their nearest departmental subdivision, sub-office, cash counter, Jan Seva Kendra, or by logging onto the official website www.uppcl.org.
How to Avail the Scheme
Consumers can register for the scheme through their nearest subdivision/sub-office, electricity sakhis, Jan Seva Kendra, or by logging onto the official website www.uppcl.org. The latest electricity bill and a valid mobile number are required for registration. Payments can be made via the same channels, either as a lump sum or in installments. If the consumer fails to make the payment within the stipulated time after registration, they will not be eligible for the scheme, and the surcharge will be increased.
Benefits for Collection Agencies
Collection agencies will be incentivized for recovering payments from consumers who have never paid or have been long-term defaulters. For instance, if a consumer has a delayed payment surcharge of ₹1,000, the agency will receive an additional incentive of ₹100, over and above the regular commission.
