The Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has expressed concern over non-payment of electricity bills by state government organisations and local bodies. In southern Orissa, where Reliance Energy Ltd’s power distribution company, Southco, is in business, the total arrear against government organisations and local bodies has piled up to a staggering Rs 56.73 crore. This is despite the fact that the state government has made a special budget provision for payment of energy bills.
The OERC, which reviewed the April-June 2008 performance of Southco here on Tuesday, directed the power distribution company to launch a disconnection drive against the defaulting government organisations and local bodies.
Southco has informed that out of Rs 418.78 crore accumulated arrear till June 30, 2008, state government organisations, public sector enterprises and local bodies were responsible for Rs 56.73 crore.
The OERC has directed Southco to initiate steps for reconciliation with urban local bodies/corps immediately and take appropriate action for realisation of arrears.
The utility has blamed energy theft for the loss and criticised non-functioning of the energy police stations.