Tribal regions face major compliance issues; TSECL begins disconnections, eyes legal action
Agartala, May 12 – More than half of the 9.27 lakh consumers of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) have defaulted on their electricity payments, resulting in unpaid dues mounting to a staggering Rs 475 crore, an official confirmed on Monday.TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Bose said that only 4.32 lakh consumers, primarily from urban areas, have consistently paid their electricity bills, accounting for around 45 percent of the total customer base. The compliance in tribal-dominated areas remains particularly low despite repeated appeals from the power utility.
Rs 475 Crore in Pending Dues and Growing
As of now, the total amount of outstanding electricity bills has reached Rs 475 crore. In an effort to recover dues, TSECL has initiated door-to-door visits and electricity disconnections for chronic defaulters.Crackdown on Illegal Hooking Lines
Highlighting another major issue plaguing the state's power infrastructure, Bose revealed that over 10,000 cases of illegal hooking were detected last year, primarily in tribal areas.Power Supply Readiness for Summer
Despite the challenges, TSECL is gearing up to handle the expected surge in power demand during the summer months of June, July, and August. The corporation plans to ensure a stable 372 MW power supply during this peak period.The state power utility has reaffirmed its commitment to improving billing compliance and enhancing overall efficiency in service delivery, especially in underserved regions.