Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut has urged consumers, especially in the agriculture sector, to clear their dues in order to facilitate uninterrupted power supply. The state power department is facing a huge challenge as overall dues has reached Rs 7,3879 crore. Of this, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has a cumulative loan amount of Rs 45,440 crore.

“The recovery of electricity dues from consumers across sectors is a challenge, but also a necessity. Huge power subsidies are given to various segments, including the agriculture sector which is largest. But in doing so, we burden industries and commercial power consumers who are made to pay higher tariffs,” Raut said. Currently, the cross subsidy amount is Rs 12,762 crore.