Muzaffarpur: Authorities in Sitamarhi and Shivhar have issued a strict warning to electricity consumers, stating that power connections will be disconnected without prior notice if outstanding dues are not cleared by March 31.
The move comes as part of an intensified enforcement drive under the “No Payment, No Power” policy, aimed at tackling rising arrears and improving revenue collection.
Pankaj Rajesh, superintending engineer in the electricity department, said that despite repeated appeals, a large number of consumers had failed to pay their bills, prompting stricter action.
Special teams have been formed to carry out door-to-door inspections of defaulters. Officials said that if outstanding dues are found during these checks, electricity connections will be disconnected immediately.
Departmental data shows that Rs 16.57 crore has been recovered so far in March, while connections of 12,560 consumers have already been cut. However, total outstanding dues have climbed to Rs 137.05 crore.
A breakdown of arrears indicates that the eastern division accounts for Rs 43.42 crore in unpaid bills, with more than 20,000 consumers yet to clear their dues. The western division has arrears of Rs 85.52 crore, while Urban-1 and Urban-2 divisions account for Rs 4.89 crore and Rs 3.22 crore respectively.
In a bid to accelerate collections, the North Bihar Power Distribution Company has cancelled March holidays, directing electricity offices to remain open even on Sundays and other non-working days.
Officials have been instructed to ensure full attendance and actively participate in recovery efforts, with warnings that absence from duty will be treated seriously.
Shravan Thakur, executive engineer, said the decision to keep offices open would make it easier for consumers to pay their bills and help the department speed up revenue collection.
Authorities have urged consumers to clear their dues promptly to avoid disconnection and further penalties.
