DGVCL Launches Crackdown on Rs.465 Crore Power Bill Dues

Surat | Gujarat — With the financial year drawing to a close, the heat is rising — not just in temperature but in power bill recoveries. Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), which supplies electricity to nearly 37 lakh consumers across South Gujarat, has launched an aggressive recovery drive to collect a staggering ₹465.49 crore in pending dues.

In a stern warning to defaulters, the power utility has announced that electricity connections of consumers who fail to clear outstanding bills will be disconnected — without prior notice.

“Repeated reminders have not yielded the desired results. Despite adopting a customer-friendly and humanitarian approach, many consumers continue to delay payments. This negligence has led to mounting financial pressure on the company,” a senior DGVCL official said.

According to sources, lists of defaulters have been circulated to all departmental offices. Special teams have been deployed to carry out disconnections across domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural categories. While consumers will be given a final opportunity to pay dues on the spot, failure to do so will result in immediate power cuts.

Once disconnected, consumers will have to pay not only the pending amount but also penalties and reconnection charges to restore supply.

The move has create anxiety among habitual defaulters, particularly small businesses and households already grappling with rising expenses. However, DGVCL maintains that strict enforcement is necessary to ensure financial discipline and uninterrupted power infrastructure development.

To ease payments, the company has urged consumers to utilise digital platforms. Bills can be cleared instantly through DGVCL’s mobile app, UPI, net banking and debit card facilities.

“In the digital era, there is no justification for delay. Consumers can pay their electricity bills from the comfort of their homes in seconds,” the official added, appealing for immediate cooperation to avoid legal action and blackout situations.

DGVCL has issued a 10-day ultimatum from the date of bill receipt for clearing full dues. With March-end accounting underway, the utility is under pressure to improve recovery figures and stabilise its financial position.

Energy experts note that delayed payments disrupt cash flow for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, ultimately affecting service quality. “Revenue recovery is critical for sustaining reliable power supply. However, communication and support mechanisms must remain balanced,” said a sector analyst.