The State Government is making novel efforts for farmer's welfare and upliftment. In the state, flat rate scheme for giving relief to permanent agriculture consumers in their electricity bills is being implemented from April 1, 2013.
Under the scheme being implemented by Madhya Pradesh Power Distribution Company, such consumers can pay electricity bills at flat rate of Rs1200 per horsepower in two equal instalments in a year. The permanent agriculture consumers will be served electricity bills in new and simplified proforma.
The scheme will be implemented in urban and rural areas of all the circles of Central, Eastern and Western Power Distribution Companies. Objective of the scheme is to facilitate farmers in view of their preoccupation with agricultural works and remove difficulties being faced by them to pay electricity bills every month. As a result, this scheme has been implemented to simplify billing process, ensure increase in revenue collection and reduce quantum of outstanding dues.
All permanent agriculture pump connection consumers will be eligible for this scheme. As per it, eligible agriculture pump connection consumer will be allowed to make advance payment of flat rate of Rs1,200 per horsepower in two equal installments, first installment at the rate of Rs600 per horsepower in April/May and the second of same amount in October/November. The remaining tariff fixed by Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission will be paid by the State Government as subsidy to the company. If any interest is payable at the time of making advance payment by permanent agriculture pump connection consumers, it will be included also in the subsidy by the State Government. Consumer, who does not wish to be included in flat rate scheme, can express his wish by applying in writing.
Except permanent agriculture pump connection consumers, subsidy rates for all other consumers will remain the same. The remaining consumers will have to pay bills as per increase affected in power tariff by the Regulatory Commission. Burden of fuel cost adjustment of all the permanent agriculture pump connection consumers will be borne by the State Government. If bills are not paid in time, then surcharge fixed for duration of delay by Electricity Regulatory Commission will be payable.
Power Distribution Company has directed its field officers to publicise the scheme. They have also been directed to give scheme-related information to public representatives in writing.
Directives have been given to publicise the scheme at electricity service camps apart from distribution of pamphlets highlighting the scheme in detail at district and development block-level public grievance redressal camps. Directives have been given to publicise the scheme through wall paintings also.