Confirmed Update: The Government has officially launched the Bijli Bill Mafi Scheme 2026, aimed at providing massive relief to rural and middle-class families burdened by pending electricity arrears. Under this new initiative, eligible households can now get their old electricity bills waived off and benefit from up to 300 units of free electricity per month through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli integration.
With compound interest making it nearly impossible for low-income families to clear long-standing dues, this scheme introduces a one-time settlement (OTS) window. State governments in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana have already started the registration process, allowing citizens to settle their principal amount with a 100% interest (surcharge) waiver.
Who Is Eligible for the Waiver
The 2026 guidelines prioritize transparency to ensure benefits reach the genuine needy. Eligibility is defined as follows:
- Income Limit: Families with an annual income of less than ₹5 lakh are eligible.
- Domestic Consumers: The scheme applies only to domestic (LUV-1) rural and urban connections, not commercial or industrial ones.
- Load Capacity: Consumers with a sanctioned load of up to 2kW to 5kW (varies by state) can apply.
- Economic Status: Priority is given to Antyodaya and BPL cardholders who have “never-paid” or “long-unpaid” status.
Key Benefits of the 2026 Scheme
This year’s update is more than just a bill waiver; it is a transition toward sustainable energy.
- Surcharge Waiver: 100% of the compound interest accumulated on your old bill will be forgiven upon registration.
- 300 Units Free Power: By integrating with the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, households can install solar panels with subsidies up to ₹78,000, effectively making the first 300 units of monthly consumption free.
- Installment Facility: If the principal amount is high, the government is allowing consumers to pay the remaining balance in 3 to 6 easy installments.
- Reconnection Support: Families whose electricity was disconnected due to non-payment can have their lines restored immediately after paying the registration fee.
Important Rules and Deadlines
The scheme is being executed in phases to manage the rush at electricity offices:
- Phase 1 (Up to Feb 15): Offered the highest discounts on principal amounts.
- Phase 2 (Feb 16 – Feb 28, 2026): Currently active. Consumers can still get a 50% to 90% surcharge waiver depending on their state’s specific policy.
- Mandatory e-KYC: Beneficiaries must link their Aadhaar and mobile number with their Consumer Account (CA) number to qualify.
Summary of Bijli Bill Mafi Scheme 2026
| Feature | Details | Notes |
| Primary Benefit | 100% Interest (Surcharge) Waiver | On old pending bills |
| Free Electricity | Up to 300 Units Monthly | Via Solar/PM Surya Ghar |
| Eligibility | Annual Income < ₹5 Lakh | Domestic consumers only |
| Registration Fee | ₹200 – ₹2,000 | Varies by state and load |
| Deadline | February 28, 2026 | Last date for Phase 2 |
| Required IDs | Aadhaar, Old Bill, Income Certificate | Mobile number mandatory |
How to Apply for the Bill Waiver
Beneficiaries can follow these steps to secure their relief:
- Online Portal: Visit your state’s official electricity department website (e.g., UPPCL for Uttar Pradesh or NBPDCL/SBPDCL for Bihar).
- OTS Registration: Look for the “Bill Rahat Yojana” or “OTS 2026” link.
- Document Upload: Submit your Aadhaar card, residence proof, and the latest copy of your electricity bill.
- Offline Option: You can also visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or the local Electricity Sub-division office to register manually.
Why This Matters for Citizens
For years, rural families have faced the threat of disconnection due to bills that doubled or tripled because of high interest rates. The Bijli Bill Mafi Scheme 2026 provides a clean slate. By combining the debt waiver with the 300-unit free solar initiative, the government is ensuring that low-income families can move toward a future with zero monthly electricity costs. This not only reduces the financial burden on the middle class but also improves the overall recovery rate for the power DISCOMs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The percentage of waiver, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary significantly between states. Readers are advised to verify details through their local electricity department or the official state energy portal before making payments.
