SAD questions AAP’s OTS scheme, seeks explanation for Rs 516 crore power bill penalties
Dr Daljit Singh Cheema alleges 25 lakh families are being asked to clear arrears within 45 days after receiving zero bills earlier
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 14, 2026: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of misleading electricity consumers through its free power scheme and subsequently burdening them with outstanding dues under the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.
In a statement, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema questioned why nearly 25 lakh families were now being asked to pay accumulated electricity arrears within 45 days when they had allegedly received zero bills earlier.
Describing the OTS scheme as a farce, Cheema alleged that consumers were being asked to clear substantial outstanding amounts in a single payment, along with penalties reportedly totalling ₹516 crore.
“If 90 per cent of domestic consumers were genuinely receiving zero electricity bills, where have these 25 lakh families suddenly come from?” he asked, questioning the government’s billing exercise.
Cheema claimed that the latest demands for payment had exposed inconsistencies in the government’s claims about free electricity. He further alleged that consumers were facing the threat of disconnection by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) if they failed to clear their dues.
The SAD leader demanded that the state government explain how the outstanding amounts had accumulated, why the bills were not issued earlier and why ordinary households were now being asked to bear the financial burden.
“Punjab deserves answers, not gimmicks,” he said.