Key points:
- Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut has now said that giving a relaxation is not possible.
- No one’s power connection will be disconnected.
- The state government tried hard to provide relief but unfortunately no help was received from the central government.
During the lockdown, several people including prominent celebrities took to social media sites to highlight how they were receiving exorbitant electricity bills when the consumption was less.
Days after hinting at a major relief to electricity consumers facing the issue of inflated power bills, Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut has now said that giving a relaxation is not possible.
Raut said that it is not possible to give a concession considering the overall situation of MSEDCL.
Speaking to reporters at a function Raut said only the state government would take a decision on the matter, adding that the further decision would be taken to the Chief Minister’s Court.
“Just like MSEDCL has electricity customers, MSEDCL is also a customer. MSEDCL has to buy electricity from outside. Different types of charges have to be paid. Payments are not made by customers and MSEDCL owes a 31 per cent amount. Therefore, it is impossible to give concessions.”
However, Raut said that no one’s power connection will be disconnected.
“Energy companies have a debt burden of Rs 69,000 crore. How much more will you borrow now,” he asked.
He claimed that the state government tried hard to provide relief but unfortunately no help was received from the central government.
Earlier, speaking over the issue of inflated power bills, Raut claimed that his department has sent proposals to the Finance Department seven times.
Last month, the government had also faced criticism after the island city faced a power outage in most parts.
