Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], March 5 (HBTV): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday launched the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for consumers of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) in the presence of Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal.

Speaking at the launch, the chief minister stated that nearly 45,000 consumers would benefit from the scheme, with over INR 26 crore in surcharges and penalties being waived.

‘Consumers will have to pay 40 per cent of the principal amount upfront, while the remaining 60 per cent can be paid in five equal instalments without interest,’ he said.

He urged consumers to take advantage of the scheme, emphasizing that the government's intervention aims to reduce the financial burden on those with unpaid electricity dues.

The OTS Scheme 2025 is applicable to ‘Domestic Low Tension (DLT)’ and ‘Kutir Jyoti/BPL’ consumers with a declared load of five kilowatts or below. It is specifically for consumers whose connections were disconnected due to non-payment, allowing them to settle long-standing electricity bill dues.

The scheme will remain effective until March 31, 2025, and only disconnected consumers are eligible to apply. The total outstanding dues from consumers stand at approximately INR 119 crore.

During the event, the chief minister also launched six maintenance vehicles on a pilot basis. These vehicles will be used by MeECL linemen and maintenance workers to safely and efficiently access power lines at different heights and locations.

‘MePDCL has been using conventional vehicles and ladders for restoration work. These new vehicles, equipped with hydraulic lifts, will enable linemen to carry out maintenance services faster and reduce electricity outage periods,’ he said.

The total cost of procuring the vehicles is INR 1.48 crore.

The chief minister further announced that there will be no scheduled load shedding this year. He commended the department for its efforts to reform MeECL and improve services, noting that Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses have been reduced to less than 18 per cent.

He also stated that the government is working to stabilize power distribution in rural areas, including the establishment of 10 new substations, with work set to begin next month.

(ANI)