As notified vide Departmental Circular (Comml) No.362 dated 6-1280 the element of D.P.C. is totally eliminated with effect from November '80. This has removed the monetary incentive to a consumer to pay his bills before due date. Consequently, this is most likely to affect adversely the position of the Board's outstanding dues from the consumers.

      In view of the above and the need to arrest the dues from mounting uncontrollably, the following instructions are given which should be followed scrupulously by all the field officers.

(i)	H.T. Consumers
As soon as these consumers fall into arrears even for a single month i.e. they do not pay by the due date, the statutory notice of 7 days must be issued immediately. If the consumer fails to malke the payment of the amount of arrears, prescribed steps should be taken to disconnect the supply. This should apply even in case of H.T. Ag. consumers. However, in all genuine cases where consumer desires to make payment of arrears in instalments, necessary undertaking should be obtained as per the standard prescribed form attached herewith and disconnection can be stayed in such cases. However, any default on the part of such consumer to pay either the current bill or instalment of arrears, the supply should once again be disconnected after giving him due notice.
(ii)	L.T. Consumers:
It  has  been  observed  that disconnections are  not  being  effected promptly. The number of consumers who are in arrears for more than 2 years is showing the increasing tendency. In many cases, the suply is not disconnected over a long period. This will tend to increase the arrears which are likely to become bad debts if prompt action is not taken to disconnect the supply. This trend is more conspicuous in the case of Ag. Consumers where disconnection may become difficult for various reasons. However, now there is a need to follow rigid procedure in respect of Ag. consumers as well. Cases where the past arrears are not being paid for reasons of drought or sickness are understandable. However, any default to make the payment of the current bill when the consumers is using power, should in no case be viewed leniently and in cases of such defaults, disconnection should be effected. Instalments of the concessional bill based on H.P. tariff should not be permitted and disconnection should invariably be carried out.