Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Launches OTS Scheme for Electricity Consumers: 100% Waiver on Penalty and Interest

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to provide major relief to domestic electricity consumers. Under this initiative, a complete waiver of penalties and interest will be granted on outstanding electricity bills accumulated up to March 31, 2026. Consumers will now only need to pay the principal amount.

This scheme is expected to benefit approximately 24.86 lakh domestic power consumers across both rural and urban areas. Out of the total outstanding arrears of ₹2,516 crore, the government is waiving off ₹518 crore entirely in the form of penalties and interest.

Key Highlights & FAQs of the OTS Scheme:

• Who is eligible? All domestic electricity consumers in Punjab (both rural and urban).

• What is the relief? 100% waiver on interest and penalty for outstanding bills up to March 31, 2026.

• How long is it valid? The scheme will remain active for 45 days from its launch.

• What is the payment structure? Consumers must pay 25% of the principal amount upfront. The remaining 75% can be cleared in two installments, spaced six months apart.

• How to apply? Consumers do not need to visit any office. The electricity department will automatically generate and send revised bills to their homes under the OTS scheme.

• What about disconnected connections? Consumers whose power connections were snapped due to non-payment can get them restored by paying the principal amount under OTS terms.

• Will the 600 units free electricity continue? Yes, the existing subsidy of 600 free units will continue uninterrupted. The OTS applies only to outstanding default amounts.

"Delivered Even Unwritten Guarantees," Says CM Mann Addressing the public, CM Bhagwant Mann took a dig at the opposition and Delhi’s pollution crisis. Refuting claims that Punjab's stubble burning causes smog in the national capital, he argued, "Punjab’s smoke would only reach Delhi if the wind blew at 100 km/h, and even then, it would take three days. People in Delhi start complaining about smoke before our paddy is even harvested." He emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has fulfilled not just its manifesto promises but also guarantees that were never written down.

Speaking on national politics, Mann criticized the BJP for misusing central agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department in poll-bound states. He also confirmed that an investigation is actively underway regarding a recent threat received by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.