Electricity dues of Rs 1,332 cr pending

Forty two companies and four power distribution firms in Orissa have defaulted in payment of electricity duty and dues to the tune of Rs 1,331.55 crore.

This was revealed in an affidavit filed by the state government pertaining to a case on power tariff hike in the Orissa High Court. The court will resume hearing on the matter tomorrow.

The state government said it has not received the dues worth Rs 1,331.55 crore from distribution companies (discoms), captive power generating companies and other bulk users. Due to non-collection of the dues, work on upgradation of existing grid infrastructure has suffered, leading to high transmission loss.

Forty two defaulting companies, which included National Aluminum Company (Nalco), Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), have not paid electricity duties to the tune of Rs 1,034 crore. Similarly, the distribution companies such as North Orissa Electricity Supply Company (Nesco), West Orissa Electricity Supply Company (Wesco) have not paid their dues worth Rs 297.50 crore to the state government.

The High Court had directed the state-owned Gridco, the bulk power supplier, to file an affidavit giving details about outstanding electricity dues of all industrial houses, government offices and other major power consumers over the past three years on May 6.

The petitioners have alleged that the state government increased electricity charges citing rising input cost, while the state is unable to check huge loss of power in its transmission system due to outdated infrastructure network.

On April 1, the Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) had raised electricity charges for domestic and industrial users.