PVVNL Bars Deduction of Maintenance Charges Through Prepaid Electricity Meters in Ghaziabad Societies
Ghaziabad: In a major relief for residents living in high-rise housing societies across Ghaziabad, Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has issued clear directions prohibiting the deduction of maintenance charges through prepaid electricity meters.
The order directs all concerned officials to ensure that electricity billing and maintenance collection remain completely separate. The power utility has also clarified that electricity supply can only be disconnected for non-payment of electricity bills and not for pending maintenance dues.
The move is expected to benefit lakhs of residents living in thousands of apartment societies in Ghaziabad and adjoining NCR regions.
Residents complained of forced deductions
For several years, many residential societies in Ghaziabad had been following a system under which maintenance charges were automatically deducted whenever residents recharged their prepaid electricity meters. Only the remaining amount was then credited toward electricity consumption.
The practice had triggered repeated complaints from residents, with several disputes reportedly arising between apartment owners, builders, and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs).
Electricity meters to be used only for power consumption
In its directive, PVVNL has categorically stated that electricity meters are meant solely for recording and billing electricity consumption. No builder, developer, AOA, or Resident Welfare Association (RWA) can recover maintenance charges through prepaid meter systems.
The corporation has warned that any violation of these instructions could invite action under the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Act.
The order further clarifies that electricity connections cannot be disconnected merely because a resident has not paid maintenance charges. Disconnection can only take place in cases where electricity dues remain unpaid.
Separate accounting for common and individual usage
PVVNL has also directed AOAs and RWAs to maintain separate accounting for common area electricity consumption and individual flat consumption to ensure greater transparency for consumers.
According to the order, prepaid meter balances should only be utilized for electricity-related services such as household consumption, lifts, water pumps, street lighting, and other common electrical facilities.
New mechanism for maintenance collection
The power corporation has also advised housing societies to adopt alternate methods for collecting maintenance charges, including cheque payments, online transfers, and other authorized payment systems. Officials said this would create proper financial records and help reduce future disputes.
Relief for residents, challenge for societies
The decision has been widely welcomed by residents, many of whom had long demanded separation of maintenance charges from electricity billing. Residents say the move will bring greater transparency and ensure clarity regarding monthly electricity and maintenance payments.
However, the new order is likely to require builders and AOAs to restructure their maintenance collection systems, as they will no longer be able to rely on prepaid meter deductions for recovery of dues.
