Along with 200 units of free electricity, will old outstanding bills also be waived off? Know what is the new scheme of the government:

Patna/State Bureau. A big discussion has gained momentum for crores of electricity consumers of Bihar. The news of relief for consumers burdened with rising electricity prices and old outstanding bills in the state has become a topic of discussion on social media and at the local level. According to the latest information, Bihar government is not only considering increasing the scope of free electricity, but can also prepare a big plan towards waiving off the old electricity bills pending for years. If this scheme is implemented, lakhs of families from rural and economically weaker sections will get huge financial relief.

Rural consumers burdened with old electricity bills

A major problem of electricity consumers in Bihar is their old outstanding bills. The situation in rural areas is such that the bills of many consumers have reached lakhs of rupees. The main reason for this is the ‘compound interest’ charged on the electricity bill and non-payment on time. According to statistics, there are about 60 to 70 percent consumers in rural areas who are trapped in the trap of old bills. The government is preparing to bring a ‘one-time settlement’ or bill waiver scheme for such consumers.

Will everyone’s electricity bill be waived off? Know the eligibility rules

Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding electricity bill waiver, it is important to clarify that bills of all categories of consumers cannot be waived. According to the tentative plan, the government will primarily target customers who:

Come from a very poor and helpless class.

Are unemployed and who do not have any solid source of income.

Are BPL card holders. Partial or complete waiver of old bills of these categories of consumers is being considered, so that they can be connected to the mainstream.

Promise of 150 to 200 units of free electricity

At present, about 150 units of electricity is being given to the consumers in the form of subsidy or relief in Bihar. But in view of the upcoming assembly elections and public demand, discussions are intensifying to increase it to 200 units of free electricity. The state government has assured that this scheme of free electricity will continue in future also. This step will not only reduce the burden on the pockets of poor families, but will also be a big step towards 100% electricity connections in the state.

Waiting for official information and advice from experts

Although the news of electricity bill waiver is in full swing on the internet and social media, till now no formal notice has been issued by the Energy Department for this. Sources say that the government may soon announce a specific date for this. Last month also, relief was given in old outstanding bills in some specific areas. Experts say that consumers should wait for the official announcement and apply immediately as soon as the scheme is launched to avoid future troubles.