Buzzbytes, Srinagar 2
Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has escalated its efforts to combat rampant power pilferage and ensure compliance with bill payments among defaulting consumers. In a robust campaign over the last 10 days of November 2023, KPDCL conducted a staggering 10,465 inspections and disconnected over 11,000 consumers, aiming to curb unauthorized power usage.
During this period, KPDCL succeeded in collecting a total revenue of Rs.85.24 crore, inclusive of power receipts. Notably, November 28 witnessed the highest remittances of Rs.16.42 crore.
Highlighting the findings, a KPDCL spokesperson revealed widespread instances of illegal connections, including hooking lines on bare conductors in metered areas, and exceeding agreed-upon energy loads among flat-rated consumers across the Kashmir Division. As a result of the inspection drive, penalties totaling Rs.1.03 crore were imposed on consumers engaged in power theft across all 6 O&M Circles during this 10-day period. Furthermore, 995 connections were regularized, and an additional 2120 KW load was incorporated.
O&M Circle Ganderbal conducted the highest number of inspections at 2,945, followed by Circle Spore with 2,048, Circle II Srinagar 1,950, Pulwama 1,528, Bijbehara 1,004, and Circle I Srinagar 990.
The spokesperson credited KPDCL’s patrolling teams for braving sub-zero temperatures to uncover instances of power pilferage. The disconnections in the last 10 days of November affected 11,238 consumers with outstanding energy dues extending beyond three months, including 7,828 domestic, 2,979 commercial, and 346 industrial consumers.
Assuring consumers of adherence to power curtailment schedules post the Central Government’s additional power allocation to the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, the spokesperson emphasized the judicious use of power. There was a stern warning against hooking, meter bypassing, or overloading, as KPDCL expressed readiness to pursue criminal charges under the Electricity Act for such offenses.
The spokesperson also cautioned commercial consumers, particularly hotels, malls, and businesses found tampering with meters, notifying penalties confirmed by the First Appellate Authority under Electricity Act sections 126 & 127. Failure to remit these fines would lead to stringent legal action.
Amid positive outcomes from the intensified inspection and disconnection drives, KPDCL affirmed its commitment to continue these measures to minimize energy losses and enhance revenue collection. The ultimate goal is to maintain power curtailment schedules while providing relief to genuine consumers.
Expressing concern over the damage to Domestic Transformers (DTs), the spokesperson urged consumers to avoid overloading, especially during peak winter times. KPDCL assured constant efforts, with teams working round the clock to repair and replace damaged DTs promptly at Central and divisional-level workshops.
As KPDCL intensifies its crackdown on power theft, consumers are urged to comply with regulations to avoid legal repercussions and ensure a sustainable power supply.
