Lucknow, Nov. 10 -- As unpaid electricity bills of Uttar Pradesh government departments and local bodies pile up to nearly Rs.14,000 crore, the state exchequer is losing hundreds of crore rupees every month in late payment surcharge (LPSC).

Concerned over the mounting financial drain, chief secretary SP Goyal has issued a stern directive to all departments, local bodies, and government institutions to ensure timely payment of electricity bills.

Under the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission's (UPERC) tariff order for 2024-25 and the Electricity Supply Code 2005-provisions quoted by the chief secretary in the GO issued last week, a late payment surcharge of 1.25% per month is levied on unpaid dues for the first three months, which rises ...