Ludhiana, July 4 -- Industrial units across Ludhiana city have collectively defaulted on electricity bills amounting to Rs.20.3 crore, as of May, officials familiar with the matter have said. Notably, at the beginning of the current financial year, pending dues which stood at Rs.18.9 crore, surged by Rs.1.4 crore, within a month, putting further strain on the PSPCL's financial operations, officials said. The data of June will be compiled later this month, they said.

Among the major defaulters, Ludhiana East circle alone accounts for Rs.11.5 crore in outstanding bills. This includes several industrial pockets that have reportedly not paid their outstanding dues for consecutive billing cycles.

According to official data, the focal point d...