Multiple government departments and entities in Karnataka have accumulated substantial outstanding balances for electricity consumption owed to various Electricity Supply Companies (Escoms) across the state. The Urban Development Department (UDD) currently reports closing arrears of ₹2,434.91 crore. This figure follows a period where new bills of ₹962.04 crore were raised and ₹798.65 crore was collected, leading to the stated closing arrears. Previously, between April and July, the UDD had incurred new electricity bills of ₹966.84 crore and made payments of ₹174.15 crore, resulting in a closing balance of ₹5,588.32 crore.
The Major Irrigation Department’s liabilities include an unpaid balance of ₹1,570.04 crore. This amount is derived from an opening balance of ₹1,352.72 crore, the generation of ₹281.11 crore in new bills, and payments totaling ₹63.78 crore.
While Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), which serves Bengaluru and surrounding areas, is cited as carrying the largest share of these unpaid bills, specific outstanding figures for Bescom itself were not provided in this context. Other Escoms report considerable outstanding amounts, including Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited (Hescom) with ₹1,833.53 crore, Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (Gescom) at ₹1,710.81 crore, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company Limited (CESC) owing ₹937.70 crore, and Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Mescom) with ₹614.75 crore. Additionally, Hukkeri has reported dues amounting to ₹24.18 crore.
Further outstanding amounts from other government departments include Commerce and Industry owing ₹339.60 crore, Minor Irrigation with ₹143.74 crore, Roads, Buildings and Slum Development at ₹102.59 crore, and a combined ₹162.90 crore from various other government departments.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-government-departments-owe-escoms-1034213-cr-leaving-them-short-of-over-4200-cr-to-pay-power-generators/article70125382.ece