The scheme extends its benefits not only to defaulting domestic consumers but also to commercial enterprises, private institutions, private tube well operators, and industrial consumers who will be eligible for exemptions from surcharges, notably delay payment surcharges.
The Yogi Adityanath government is set to roll out a welcome relief initiative for consumers of electric power with the revival of the one-time solution (OTS) scheme. This scheme, slated to operate from November 8 to December 31, will be executed in three distinct phases.
It extends its benefits not only to defaulting domestic consumers but also to commercial enterprises, private institutions, private tube well operators, and industrial consumers who will be eligible for exemptions from surcharges, notably delay payment surcharges. Furthermore, consumers will be granted the convenience of settling their arrears through instalment payments.
Energy Minister AK Sharma, in an announcement made on a Saturday, detailed the implementation of the OTS scheme and specified that it will unfold in three phases, spanning a total of 54 days. The initial phase, commencing on November 8, will conclude on November 30, followed by the second phase from December 1 to December 15, and the final phase from December 16 to December 31.
The scheme demonstrates a particular focus on domestic consumers falling under the LMV-1 category and farmers classified as LMV-5. For this group, a remarkable feature of the scheme is the ability to spread their outstanding amounts across a maximum of 12 instalments, accompanied by a generous 100 per cent rebate on surcharges.
For commercial consumers in the LMV-2 category with a load of up to three kilowatts, an 80 per cent discount is available on the total payment until November 30. Beyond this date, the discount will vary between 10 per cent and 50 per cent depending on the timing and the number of instalments chosen.
With a load of up to one kilowatt, the consumers will receive a 100 per cent discount on the surcharge if they settle their dues in full by December 15. Similarly, registering by the same date allows for a 90 per cent discount when choosing a 12-instalment plan, and a 70 per cent discount for those registering thereafter.
From December 1 to 15, an 80 per cent discount is granted on full payment, decreasing to 70 per cent for three instalments and 60 per cent for six instalments. Subsequently, only a 70 per cent discount will be applicable for full payment, with a 60 per cent discount for three instalments and 50 per cent for six instalments.
Meanwhile, commercial consumers with loads exceeding three kilowatts can access discounts ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, further enhancing the appeal of the OTS scheme.