Telangana’s Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) has faced criticism from customers after announcing that payments for electricity bills through third-party UPI apps like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay would no longer be accepted. The decision, effective from July 1, led to public outcry due to perceived inconvenience and lack of prior notice.
In response to the backlash, Musharraf Ali Farooqui, chairman and managing director of TGSPDCL, clarified that banks and service providers had ceased accepting such payments, prompting the directive to use TGSPDCL’s own website or app for bill settlements. This move sparked frustration among consumers accustomed to the convenience of third-party apps.
Critics pointed out that TGSPDCL’s decision seemed abrupt, with inadequate communication about the change. Social media posts, including one by Chiranjeevi, highlighted public discontent, emphasizing that the Reserve Bank of India’s directive was misinterpreted. Others, like Nagaraju, suggested that TGSPDCL should have registered with the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) instead of blaming regulatory constraints.
Furthermore, concerns were raised about the reliability of TGSPDCL’s online platforms to handle the anticipated surge in transactions. Customers, such as Yaqoob Tucy, expressed frustration over perceived additional charges and called on government intervention to alleviate financial pressures on the public.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in adapting digital payment systems in public utilities, prompting calls for smoother transitions and clearer communication from regulatory bodies and service providers alike.