Face2News/Chandigarh
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in collaboration with the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), has taken a decisive step towards transparency and zero tolerance against corruption.
In June 2025, PSPCL launched a dedicated online portal for the registration of corruption and bribery complaints – https://grms.pspcl.in. To empower consumers, a link to the portal is sent via SMS whenever a consumer interacts with PSPCL for key services such as new electricity connections, bill payments or reversals, billing discrepancy resolutions, service complaints, or power outage reporting. This initiative ensures that consumers can easily report any unethical demand or misconduct at any stage of their engagement with PSPCL.
Since the launch, several complaints have been filed by consumers across Punjab. Each case has been independently investigated by a three-member Zonal Committee to ensure fairness and accountability.
After thorough investigation, strict action has been taken in proven cases.
A complaint was filed on 18th July 2025 from Bhalwan Sub-Division (Dhuri Division) of Sangrur, alleging a demand of ₹5,000 for replacing a smart meter with a conventional meter. Investigation revealed that the meter replacement order had been pending since Nov 2022 and was finally completed on 17th Sept 2024. The accused meter reader was an outsourced employee and not working with PSPCL at the time of the complaint. The matter has been referred to the DSP Nabha for FIR and further investigation.
On 24th August 2025, a complaint was lodged from one of the Focal Points, Ludhiana, alleging that an outsourced meter reader solicited a ₹1000 bribe to manipulate billing by adjusting excess units to qualify under the government’s free-power scheme. The investigation substantiated the charge, and on 16th September 2025, the meter reader was terminated from service.
From Ludhiana district, a complaint was lodged on 07th August 2025 concerning the non-installation of a meter despite approval of the connection. It was alleged that the Junior Engineer cited system cancellation and sought additional payment to reopen the file. While bribery could not be substantiated, the inquiry confirmed an unjustifiable delay in processing the connection. Consequently, on 26th September 2025, a show-cause notice was issued to the official for negligence.
Another complaint filed from Ludhiana on 17th August 2025, alleging that illicit payments were demanded for meter installation, including charges for wire and a meter box, with the consumer ultimately compelled to pay before the connection was released. The matter was also reported to the Junior Engineer, but no corrective action was taken. Investigation by the Enforcement Wing confirmed the allegations and further revealed procedural irregularities, including an unsigned, undated case file and an unreasonable delay of 2.5 months in releasing the connection. Accordingly, on 29th September 2025, a show-cause notice was served on the concerned Junior Engineer.
PSPCL will continue to duly investigate each case of corruption and take strong action as required; to set new standards for transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
