The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), often criticised for operating at a loss, is facing massive financial pressure not just from unpaid bills by individuals or private firms, but largely from government departments themselves. In Ludhiana’s Central Zone alone, government departments owe the PSPCL more than ₹232 crore in unpaid electricity bills, according to internal data.
The Central Zone includes Ludhiana East, West, Suburban, and Khanna circles. As many as 54 government departments have pending bills that remain unpaid, some of which have been outstanding for years.
An official from PSPCL, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted the unfair criticism the corporation often faces. “Everyone blames the PSPCL for financial losses. But when government departments themselves delay payments of such huge amounts, how is the corporation expected to function efficiently?” the official asked.
Among the top defaulters is the Department of Local Bodies, which owes ₹120.95 crore. The Water Supply and Sanitation Department follows closely with dues of ₹52.60 crore. Other significant defaulters include the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat (₹20.16 crore), Health and Family Welfare (₹20.12 crore), the Sewerage Board (₹5.44 crore), and the Department of Home Affairs and Jails (₹4.69 crore).
When questioned about why PSPCL hasn’t taken action to recover these dues, the official explained the limitations. “With private consumers, we can simply disconnect the power supply if bills aren’t paid. But how can we cut off electricity to essential services like water supply, sanitation, or hospitals? These are government-run, and any such action must be decided by the state government or the regulatory committee,” he said.
The official also warned that if such a large amount is pending in Ludhiana alone, the total outstanding across Punjab could be significantly higher. “Until such issues are addressed at the government level, PSPCL will continue to face losses,” he added.
The situation raises serious concerns about financial discipline within government departments and calls for immediate intervention to resolve pending dues, without which the state power utility may continue to struggle with mounting losses.
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