Sambalpur: Unannounced Power Cuts Begin as Summer Sets In; Tata Power Disconnects Connections Over Pending Dues, Consumers Dissatisfied

Unannounced Power Cuts Begin in Sambalpur

Sambalpur: Sambalpur residents are facing sudden power cuts as summer begins. In addition, electricity department officials are disconnecting power connections in some areas due to unpaid bills. As a result, consumers are expressing strong dissatisfaction.

Consumers Struggle with Pending Bills

Many families in Sambalpur have accumulated unpaid electricity bills amounting to lakhs of rupees. Due to the inefficiency of WESCO, these bills have piled up over the years, making it extremely difficult for most consumers to clear them all at once. Even though Tata Power has taken over electricity distribution, consumers who have been paying their monthly bills regularly are now being warned that their connections will be cut if they do not clear old dues. In some areas, officials have already disconnected electricity lines.

Pressure Tactics to Collect Dues

In several villages, recovery agents working with Tata Power are reportedly using aggressive tactics to collect pending bills. Some agents, claiming to be from a “vigilance team,” are entering homes without prior notice, sometimes even forcefully. Many women are feeling unsafe as these unknown individuals enter their houses, especially in the absence of male family members.

Consumer Groups Raise Concerns

Dr. Rajaram Sarangi, the general secretary of the Sambalpur District Electricity Consumers’ Association, has criticized this approach. He pointed out that consumers cannot be expected to pay 20 years’ worth of unpaid bills at once. Many families with pending bills are living in constant fear that their power connection will be cut at any moment. Meanwhile, those who have already lost electricity are feeling helpless. He emphasized that recovery agents should give homeowners prior notice before visiting and should allow enough time for payment. He also suggested that Tata Power introduce schemes allowing partial payment of old bills to help consumers clear their dues.

Frequent Power Cuts in Rural Areas

Unannounced power cuts continue in rural areas. Villages like Jujumura, Padiabahal, Hatibari, and Sindurpank are experiencing frequent outages. Residents are frustrated as the situation worsens during the hot summer months.

Tata Power’s Response

Praveen Verma, CEO of TPWODL, stated that there is no current “One-Time Settlement Scheme” for pending bills but noted that a past scheme benefited many consumers. While unsure about a new scheme, he urged timely bill payments for uninterrupted service. Tata Power is promoting online payments with lottery rewards, tackling electricity theft, and upgrading equipment to meet summer demand. Verma assured minimal power cuts and 24/7 support for consumer concerns.

Consumers in Sambalpur are facing immense pressure to clear years of pending electricity bills, with some already losing their connections. Many are demanding fairer payment options and better communication from Tata Power. With summer approaching, uninterrupted electricity remains a crucial need, and both the company and the consumers must find a balanced solution.