Arrears in Electricity Bill: What It Means & How to Clear It

Many people get confused when they see the word arrears in electricity bill. It may sound complicated, but it simply means unpaid or overdue charges that have been added to your current bill. If you’ve skipped or missed a payment, it adds up as arrears, making your total bill amount higher than expected. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand, manage, and clear it without stress.

What Are Arrears in Electricity Bill?

The term arrears in electricity bill refers to the amount of money that is overdue from a previous billing cycle. This is the unpaid balance carried forward and added to the current month’s electricity bill. Utilities mark this amount separately to show you how much you owe apart from the new charges.

Example:
If your electricity bill for June was ₹1,200 and you didn’t pay it, and in July your usage is ₹1,500, the July bill will show ₹1,500 (current) + ₹1,200 (arrears) = ₹2,700 total due.

Why Do Arrears Occur in Electricity Bills?

Several reasons can lead to arrears:

• Missed or late payment of the previous month’s electricity bill

• Disputed charges that remain unpaid

• Pending dues due to billing corrections

• Low credit balance in prepaid meters

• Manual errors in meter reading or bill adjustments

Impact of Arrears on Electricity Bill Payment

Accumulating arrears can affect your household budget. If ignored, it can lead to:

• Disconnection of your power supply

• Late payment penalties

• Higher total dues the next month

• A negative history with your electricity provider

That’s why regular electricity bill payment is so important.

How to Check for Arrears in Your Electricity Bill

You can check your arrears both offline and online:

Online Check

1. Visit your electricity provider’s website

2. Enter your consumer number or account ID

3. You’ll see your electricity bill online, along with the arrear amount, if any

Offline Check

You can visit the electricity office or check your printed bill copy. It usually has a column marked as “Arrears” or “Previous Dues.”

How to Clear Arrears in Electricity Bill

Clearing arrears is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm the Amount

Before paying, confirm the arrears by checking your online bill or contacting customer service.

2. Choose a Payment Option

You can clear the arrears through:

• Electricity bill online payment portals (BESCOM, TNEB, MSEB, etc.)

• UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm

• Internet banking

• Customer service centers (offline payment)

3. Pay the Total Due

Ensure you pay the full amount, including arrears and the current charges, to avoid further accumulation.

4. Get a Payment Receipt

Always keep a receipt for record purposes in case you need to dispute any charges later.

Tips to Avoid Arrears in Future

1. Set payment reminders on your phone before the due date

2. Enable auto-debit from your bank or wallet

3. Use electricity bill online platforms for instant access and reminders

4. Check bills regularly for hidden or wrongly added arrears

5. Raise complaints quickly if you see wrong charges

Common Myths About Arrears in Electricity Bills

Myth 1: Arrears mean a penalty

Fact: Arrears are unpaid previous bills. Penalties may be added separately.

Myth 2: You can skip paying arrears without consequences

Fact: Non-payment of arrears can lead to power disconnection.

Myth 3: You can only pay arrears offline

Fact: You can easily clear electricity bill arrears online using mobile apps or websites.

Importance of Paying Your Electricity Bill on Time

Paying your electricity bill on time:

• Saves you from penalties

• Maintains uninterrupted power supply

• Keeps your credit score clean (for some prepaid/postpaid smart meter users)

• Helps avoid arrears altogether

Timely electricity bill online payment is the simplest way to stay on track.

FAQs on Arrears in Electricity Bill

1. What is arrears in electricity bill?

Arrears are unpaid dues from previous billing cycles added to your current electricity bill.

2. Can I pay arrears online?

Yes, most providers offer electricity bill online payment options where you can clear both current charges and arrears.

3. Will arrears affect my electricity connection?

Yes, if left unpaid for too long, your electricity connection may be disconnected.

4. How can I avoid arrears?

Pay your bills on time, set reminders, and use auto-debit or UPI-based bill payments.

5. Is there interest on arrears?

Yes, in many cases, interest or late fees are added to unpaid arrears.

Paying your electricity bill on time is not just a task—it’s a way to stay stress-free and avoid extra financial burden. If you ever see arrears in electricity bill, act quickly and follow the simple steps above. To explore how solar solutions can help you reduce your dependency on utility bills and manage your electricity better, visit SolarClue or check out helpful articles on blog.solarclue.com.