Ludhiana/Chandigarh, Nov 23: The school education department in Ludhiana has landed on the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited’s (PSPCL) defaulters’ register after government schools across the district amassed ₹2.37 crore in outstanding electricity dues, officials said. The running deficit has piled up despite a stream of reminders, with PSPCL confirming that bills continue to go unpaid month after month.
According to departmental data reviewed by PSPCL, the Suburban Circle accounts for the highest outstanding amount at ₹108.70 lakh. This is followed by the West Circle at ₹52.54 lakh, Khanna Circle at ₹43.19 lakh, and East Circle at ₹33.15 lakh. Officials said the arrears reflect chronic non-payment rather than sudden accumulation, as each billing round has seen only partial or minimal settlement.
Teachers attributed the pattern of default to slow and inadequate release of funds by the department. “The dues have crossed lakhs of rupees, but the department hasn’t released the necessary funds. Even when funds arrive, they are far too little to clear the electricity bills,” said Sukhdhir Singh Sekhon, head teacher at Government Primary School, Moti Nagar.
Several schools installed solar panels over recent years in hopes of reducing power costs. However, many systems are currently out of operation or producing insufficient output, leading to continued dependence on conventional grid supply, officials and faculty members said.
Another teacher, requesting anonymity, said growing enrolment has increased energy demand while financial provisions lag behind. “Schools with higher enrolment naturally consume more electricity for lighting, fans and equipment. When bills aren’t cleared on time, repeated notices become embarrassing to justify, even though usage is beyond our control,” the teacher said.
PSPCL officials confirmed that notices are automatically generated after one month of non-payment and that government institutions are expected to clear bills like any other consumer category. They added that the corporation follows a uniform recovery process.
Deputy district education officer (Elementary) Manoj Kumar said schools will not be deprived of electricity during the process. “The bills will be cleared by the department. Power supply will not be discontinued nor the schools will be penalised by the power corporation,” he stated.
