What is arrears and disputed bills?
If you dispute a bill, you can keep supply by paying under protest; old dues are recoverable only within two years unless shown as arrears. Also called arrears, back billing, pay under protest, disputed bill, old dues.
- Plain English
- Official sources
- Bill terms A–Z
Arrears and disputed bills on your bill
If you dispute a bill, pay under protest to keep supply. Pay the lower of two amounts.
The first amount is the sum claimed. The second is the monthly charge based on your average for the last six months.
Example: the disputed bill is Rs 9,000 and your six-month average is Rs 1,200 a month. Pay Rs 1,200 a month under protest.
The discom cannot recover a sum after two years from when it first became due. The exception is a sum shown on bills continuously as arrears.
Complain in writing. Then use the CGRF and Ombudsman if needed.
Official sources
- Electricity Act, 2003 (as amended; copy hosted by the Tripura High Court), s.56(1) proviso
“Provided that the supply of electricity shall not be cut off if such person deposits, under protest,” - Electricity Act, 2003 (as amended; copy hosted by the Tripura High Court), s.56(1) proviso (b)
“the electricity charges due from him for each month calculated on the basis of average charge” - Electricity Act, 2003 (as amended; copy hosted by the Tripura High Court), s.56(2)
“under this section shall be recoverable after the period of two years from the date when such sum became first due”
Read on 17 October 2026. Your State regulator’s rules and your discom’s bill have the final word.