Mahavitaran launches Abhay scheme waiving all interest and late fees on overdue electricity bills

Mahavitaran has launched the Abhay scheme for customers with overdue electricity bills, on the occasion of Diwali. Under the scheme, the entire interest and late fee levied on the arrears will be waived 100 per cent. Those who pay the principal arrears in one go may also get an additional rebate of up to 20 per cent.

Many customers have had their power permanently or temporarily disconnected as their arrears mounted. The scheme has been brought in to give such customers a chance to clear their dues. It was launched at Mahavitaran's headquarters at Prakashgad, where Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chairman and Managing Director of Mahavitaran, was the chief presence.

Domestic, commercial, industrial and other non-agricultural customers can take part in the scheme. Agricultural customers and public tap water supply schemes are excluded.

According to Mahavitaran's figures, 34 lakh 86 thousand customers whose power has been permanently disconnected owe about Rs 7,650 crore. These include 1,835 high-tension and 34 lakh 84 thousand 513 low-tension customers. Of these arrears, interest and late fees of about Rs 2,092 crore are expected to be waived.

In addition, 2 lakh 60 thousand 829 customers whose power was temporarily disconnected as of December 31, 2025, owe Rs 488.78 crore. Interest of Rs 163.93 crore on these accounts will be waived.

An "early bird rebate" has been provided for the additional concession. It will be available to those who pay the principal arrears in one go between the start of the scheme and December 15. Low-tension domestic and commercial customers whose connection has been permanently disconnected for up to 3 years will get a 10 per cent rebate. If disconnected for more than 3 years, the rebate will be 20 per cent. Other low-tension and high-tension customers will get 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, depending on eligibility.

There is also an option of a prepaid smart meter. Customers with a sanctioned load of up to 20 kW who opt for a prepaid smart meter at the time of reconnection may get an additional 5 per cent rebate on the principal arrears.

The principal arrears can be paid in one go or in instalments. Low-tension customers who deposit 50 per cent of the amount first can pay the remainder in 6 equal, interest-free monthly instalments. High-tension customers will get 3 to 6 interest-free instalments, depending on the amount due.

The reconnection fee will be waived completely for all eligible customers in the scheme. The service connection fee for low-tension customers will also be waived. This could lower the cost of getting power restored after paying the arrears.

Customers can apply through Mahavitaran's official online portal or mobile app. Before applying, they should check the eligibility conditions, the arrears amount, the rebate percentage and the last date for payment through official channels.