India’s distribution companies (DISCOMs) owed power generators Rs 645.77 billion for the February 2025 billing cycle, according to data from the Ministry of Power’s PRAAPTI portal. This marks an increase from Rs 615.95 billion in January.Excluding the latest monthly dues of Rs 375.66 billion, the outstanding balance stands at Rs 270.12 billion. Of this, Rs 268.14 billion is due before the trigger date, with late payments expected to add Rs 1.97 billion in surcharges. The trigger date is set one month after the payment due date or two and a half months after the bill is presented, whichever is later. DISCOMs are permitted to clear their dues in up to 48 installments.For the sixth straight month, Uttar Pradesh DISCOMs reported the highest outstanding dues at Rs 86.29 billion, followed by Andhra Pradesh at Rs 67.86 billion and Maharashtra at Rs 65.17 billion.Meanwhile, Gujarat’s DISCOMs maintained their leadership in the Ministry of Power’s thirteenth annual integrated ratings, with all four receiving A+ grades. Odisha, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh also had high-rated DISCOMs, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana saw downgrades in their ratings.To address payment security and transparency, the Grid Controller of India updated the implementation procedure for the Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules 2022 in November last year. Additionally, the Ministry of Power issued the Electricity Distribution (Accounts and Additional Disclosure) Rules in October 2024, aiming to strengthen financial safeguards and enforce stricter reporting standards for DISCOMs.(Mercom)