KPDCL Takes Big Action on Power Theft

PK DeskDecember 2, 2023Last Updated: December 2, 2023

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KPDCL Takes Big Action on Power Theft

Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) took decisive action against power pilferage, conducting 10,465 inspections and disconnecting over 11,000 consumers in the final 10 days of November 2023.

During this period, the corporation generated a revenue of Rs.85.24 crore, with the highest remittance of Rs.16.42 crore on November 28.

A KPDCL spokesperson revealed widespread hooking of lines and exceeding energy use in metered areas, resulting in penalties totaling Rs.1.03 crore for power theft. Among the 11,238 disconnected consumers, 7,828 were domestic, 2,979 commercial, and 346 industrial, all with pending energy dues exceeding three months.

O&M Circle Ganderbal led with 2,945 inspections, 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 their dedication in sub-zero temperatures.

The corporation emphasized judicious power use and warned against illegal practices, including hooking and meter bypassing. Criminal charges under the Electricity Act will be pursued for violations.

KPDCL plans to expose defaulters with pending energy dues and unauthorized power users, initiating legal proceedings against them.

Commercial consumers tampering with meters will face penalties confirmed by the First Appellate Authority under Sections 126 & 127 of the Electricity Act. KPDCL will make the lists of defaulters public and take stringent actions if fines are not deposited.

The spokesperson confirmed the success of the inspection and disconnection drives, stating that such efforts will continue to prevent energy losses and enhance revenue collection.

Additionally, KPDCL expressed concern about the damage to Domestic Transformers (DTs) and urged consumers to prevent overloading, ensuring timely replacement to avoid hardships during peak winter times.