The arrears are lying with both state-owned and private organisations, including the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC).

The distribution region comprises eight districts covering greater Rajshahi, Pabna and Bogra.

The defaulting organisations include RCC- Tk 19.07 crore, Rajshahi Jute Mills- Tk 2.55 crore, Kowmi Jute Mills in Sirajganj- Tk 7.88 crore, Sirajganj Spinning and Cotton Mills- Tk 2.27 crore, Northern Paper Mills at Paksey- Tk 4.55 crore, Bogra Pourasava- Tk 2.93 crore, Joypurhat Pourasava- Tk 0.91 crore and Chemical Industries at Ishwardi- Tk 42 lakh.

The PDB failed to realise the bills even after issuing repeated notices, the sources said.

The circle-wise break-up of the arrears are Tk 38.31 crore in Rajshahi, Tk 30.24 crore in Bogra and Tk 71.93 crore in Pabna.

PDB's revenue earning in the region stood at Tk 257.38 crore during 11 months till June. This is Tk 9.09 crore higher than the earning during the corresponding period in the last financial year.

PDB realised Tk 33.58 crore during June from its 2,59,950 subscribers. This was Tk 10.46 crore higher than that the collection made during the corresponding period in the previous year.

PDB authorities have filed 1950 cases in the three circles till April this year and disconnected 21,700 power supply lines including 2652 illegal connections.

The PDB has launched a drive to realise arrears and to snap illegal connections.

It has also started a motivation campaign through distribution of leaflets and announcement over loudspeakers to realise bills.