Noida Entrepreneurs Raise Objections as Discom Serves Advance Electricity Bills

NOIDA: To meet its revenue targets for the current fiscal year, the Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has issued advance electricity bills for March to nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs in the district holding commercial or industrial power connections.

This move has sparked objections from the business community, who argue that the sudden billing imposes financial strain, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. Many entrepreneurs claim they were not given prior notice and are now burdened with unexpected expenses.

Kulmani Gupta, President of the Indian Industries Association (IIA) Noida Chapter, stated, “This abrupt billing without consultation is not business-friendly. Entrepreneurs are already facing recovery challenges post-COVID, and this only adds pressure. Discoms must coordinate such actions with the industry beforehand.”

PVVNL officials stated that this practice of advance billing in March has been ongoing for the past five years to ensure timely revenue collection. However, the lack of communication and the abrupt nature of the billing have led to widespread dissatisfaction among the affected businesses.

Industry representatives, including Gupta, are urging the discom to reconsider its approach and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to find a more balanced solution that supports both the utility’s financial goals and the operational stability of local enterprises.

Source: Hindustan Times