Collection of demand charges on bills of April, May and June for non-domestic (commercial), agro-based industries along with other industrial electricity connections in Chhattisgarh has been postponed in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is among the major decisions the state government has taken in the larger interests of LT (low tensions), non-domestic (commercial), agro-based industries and other industrial consumers.
After the moratorium period, the demand charges will be collected in equal monthly installments with electricity bills of the upcoming six months.
During this duration, delayed payment surcharge applicable on bills of April, May and June 2020 will be only 1 percent instead of the normal 1.5%.
As part of steps to arrest the spread of the coronavirus, all cash electricity bill payment centres in the state have been closed. The LT consumers can pay the electricity bills (which were to be paid between March 23 and May 3) till May 31 without any surcharge.
Various industrial organizations and establishments including non-domestic consumers have been demanding relaxation from the government during the lockdown implemented in the wake of Covid-19.
After deliberating upon their demands, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took these decisions.
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to the decisions. Surcharge on delayed payment on electricity bills payable between March 23 and June 30 has also been cut by 50% -- from 1.5% to 1%.