Maharashtra farmers fail to clear HVDS dues

Mumbai: More than 1,800 farmers have not yet cleared their dues despite availing the high-voltage distribution system (HVDS).

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) had introduced this technology to farmers to avoid power theft and accidents, and supply power efficiently to them.

The MSEDCL is spending nearly Rs 2.5 lakh per connection, and almost 13,000 connections have been provided in the state.

Those who applied for new connections got HVDS connections. However, 1,891 farmers out of 13,000 who got new connections have not paid for the power supply.  

An MSEDCL officer on condition of anonymity said, “Fund crunch is a challenge for the company. Despite high arrears, we started giving farmers connections for their own good. But we are worried now as consumers have not paid the bill amount even after issuing two bills. We have to recover Rs 46.15 lakh.”