Ghaziabad Defaulters Lag Behind In Electricity Bill Relief Scheme; Door-To-Door Campaign Underway

The second phase of the Electricity Bill Relief Scheme is underway in Ghaziabad, but authorities are facing low participation from defaulters. In the first month and a half, only 50 per cent of defaulters have registered under the scheme, with just 20 per cent of the total outstanding dues recovered so far.

In response, the Power Corporation has disconnected the electricity connections of about 1,000 defaulters during this period. Across Zone-1 (City), Zone-2 (Muradnagar, Modinagar, and Loni), and Zone-3 (Trans-Hindon), there are 39,513 defaulters, who collectively owe nearly Rs 103 crore. 

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The scheme, aimed at recovering this revenue, offers a 100 per cent waiver on interest (surcharge) and a discount of up to 25 per cent on the principal amount. While the first phase ended on December 31, 2025, the second phase, running from January 1 to 31, 2026, currently provides a 20 per cent discount on the principal amount. The third phase, scheduled for February, will offer a 15 per cent discount.

So far, 18,859 defaulters have registered, most of whom had already participated in the first phase. The Power Corporation has recovered Rs 21.25 crore, less than a quarter of the total dues. Officials say Ghaziabad’s recovery situation is better than in other districts, but challenges remain.

Notices issued to defaulters have had a limited impact, particularly among large defaulters, who continue to act arbitrarily. To boost participation, Power Corporation employees are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns. Connections of those failing to pay, even after two notices, are being disconnected.

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Zone-wise status of the scheme:

“Notices alone are not enough. We are now going door-to-door to encourage people to take advantage of the scheme. Connections of those who do not cooperate even after repeated notices are being disconnected,” said Naresh Bharti, Chief Engineer, Electricity Corporation Zone-Two.