Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to prepare an action plan for clearing government departments’ outstanding electricity bills after a review of the financial position of UPCL and PTCUL.

The meeting examined the 2 power corporations’ finances, pending liabilities, financial challenges and the progress of development works. The managing directors of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) and Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) briefed the chief minister on their current position and operational challenges.

Officials informed the meeting that various government departments had outstanding electricity liabilities of about ₹539.61 crore as of 30 September 2026. Dhami placed particular emphasis on ensuring that these dues are paid within a fixed timeframe.

Funds and pending payments

The meeting discussed approval of additional demands in the supplementary budget and the payment of pending electricity bills owed by government offices. It also reviewed the arrangements required for paying outstanding amounts against engineering, procurement and construction works being carried out by UPCL.

Dhami directed officials to release the remaining amount of approximately ₹166 crore to UPCL against funds approved in the supplementary budget. The step is intended to accelerate the processing of related works and payments.

The review also covered the transfer scheme for dividing assets and liabilities between Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Officials were instructed to take necessary action on unpaid amounts linked to that division.

The chief minister directed both corporations to strengthen their finances, use available resources effectively and take concrete steps to settle outstanding liabilities. The discussion also included the availability of funds for capital works and payments under various schemes.

Prepaid smart meters and winter supply

The meeting considered budget arrangements for converting smart meters installed in all government offices and buildings to prepaid mode during the first phase of the central government’s RDSS scheme.

Dhami instructed officials to advance the conversion process in line with UPCL’s proposal. He also called for the required training and other arrangements to be completed for implementation.

The meeting examined financial provisions needed to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply during the winter period, when power demand is expected to increase. Payments for works related to natural disasters under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme were also discussed.

The review included the need for additional financial resources, timely settlement of liabilities and improved financial management by both corporations. The directions were issued as part of efforts to address payment delays and support ongoing power-sector work in Uttarakhand.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R K Sudhanshu, Meenakshi Sundaram and other concerned officials attended the meeting.

Conclusion

The review focused on Uttarakhand’s power corporations’ financial pressures, including ₹539.61 crore in outstanding government electricity bills. The immediate priorities are a time-bound payment plan, release of approximately ₹166 crore, prepaid smart-meter conversion and preparations for reliable winter electricity supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which power corporations were reviewed?

The meeting reviewed Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited, or UPCL, and Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited, or PTCUL.

Q. How much did government departments owe in electricity bills?

Government departments owed about ₹539.61 crore as of 30 September 2026, according to information presented at the meeting.

Q. What amount was ordered to be released to UPCL?

Dhami directed officials to release approximately ₹166 crore remaining against funds approved in the supplementary budget.

Q. What did the meeting discuss about smart meters?

It discussed converting smart meters in government offices and buildings to prepaid mode under the first phase of the RDSS scheme.

Q. Why were winter power arrangements reviewed?

The meeting considered financial provisions needed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during winter amid an increase in power demand.

Q. What action was sought on outstanding liabilities?

Officials were directed to prepare an effective action plan for timely payment of government departments’ electricity dues and to take concrete steps to settle other pending liabilities.