Close watch on small consumers

THE POWER Corporation officials are keeping a close watch on electricity consumers using less than 100 units. They have identified around 1713 consumers whose power consumption is less than 100 units. The action comes in wake of the intensive combing drive in the district to check power pilferage.

THE POWER Corporation officials are keeping a close watch on electricity consumers using less than 100 units. They have identified around 1713 consumers whose power consumption is less than 100 units. The action comes in wake of the intensive combing drive in the district to check power pilferage.

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Sources said 15 teams were formed to carry out the drive in which the focus was mainly on commercial consumers, especially nursing homes, floor mills and marriage halls. In its two-day intensive combing, the team checked the electricity load of 327 consumers in various areas and lodged FIRs against 22 power theft, Nine persons were arrested for the offence.

Deputy general manager of the Power Corporation, PN Srivastav, appealed to the consumers to cooperate with the department and deposit their outstanding payments in time.

It is to be noted that despite tough measures, illegal connection is a widespread menace in various localities.

Whenever the combing drive begins, the consumers withdraw their katia line for few days from the poles. Soon after the drive concludes, katias are back.

According to reports, around 6.7 per cent of consumers were involved in power theft in the district. However, Power Corporation officials were confident that their ‘Red Combing Drive’ will stop power pilferage.

However, people were skeptical and questioned impartiality and transparency of the drive.

They said that power theft is committed with full knowledge of officials.