Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Nov 23: Government schools across Ludhiana owe more than ₹2.37 crore in pending electricity charges, placing the school education department on the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited’s (PSPCL) official list of defaulters, according to officials familiar with the development. The PSU has served a series of notices and reminders through the year, but the arrears have continued to rise across the district’s major education zones.
Data shared by PSPCL officials shows significant accumulation in multiple circles: ₹33.15 lakh pending in the East Circle, ₹52.54 lakh in the West Circle, ₹108.70 lakh in the Suburban Circle, and ₹43.19 lakh owed under the Khanna Circle. Officials noted that, despite warnings issued after each billing cycle, payments have largely failed to materialise.
Senior teachers said the escalating dues stem from administrative delays in releasing grants for utilities. Sukhdhir Singh Sekhon, who heads Government Primary School, Moti Nagar, mentioned that schools have been struggling for months. “The dues have crossed lakhs of rupees, but the department hasn’t released the necessary funds. Even when funds arrive, they are far too little to clear the electricity bills,” he said.
In an attempt to reduce costs, many campuses installed rooftop solar infrastructure to offset daytime power consumption. However, several of these systems are either non-functional or working far below their installed capacity, resulting in continued demand from the grid and ballooning bills.
A teacher from the district, who requested anonymity, said that institutions with larger student strength inevitably face heavier consumption. “Schools with higher enrolment naturally consume more electricity for lighting, fans and equipment. When bills aren’t cleared on time, repeated notices become embarrassing to justify, even though usage is beyond our control,” the teacher noted.
Electricity department officials stated that schools are treated as regular consumers. Notices are dispatched one month after default, and no separate exemption mechanism exists.
Deputy district education officer (Elementary) Manoj Kumar said there will be no punitive steps against schools for the delay. “The bills will be cleared by the department. Power supply will not be discontinued nor the schools will be penalised by the power corporation,” he assured.
