AN INTENSIVE drive launched in the city by 15 teams of the power corporation, along with district and police officials, has checked incidents of power theft and caused trouble for power pilfers. During the last two days, the officials have registered FIRs for two dozen power thefts in different areas and arrested four consumers. They realised around Rs 6 lakh outstanding payment from the defaulters.
Annoyed over continuous line loss and power theft, the officials of the power department had decided to crack down on power theft and they identified the commercial consumers in different areas. During the operation, they check the load and electronic meters of the consumers. They have seized two electronic meters from Shahpur locality on complaints of tampering with the meters.
Deputy General Manager of the corporation PN Srivastav said that the drive would continue till March 31 and expressed the hope that the department would realise the target of recovery from the defaulters. Sources said that against Rs 14 crore per month, the department was realising Rs 9 crore despite all their efforts. The consumers blamed the power corporation officials for not providing timely electricity bills.It may be recalled that the billing system was handed over to the private KLG Systel Group but due to shortage of staff, the private company failed to come up to the expectations of the officials and consumers.
The delay in the bills also disturbed the monthly budget of the consumers.
{{/usCountry}}The delay in the bills also disturbed the monthly budget of the consumers.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the resident of Jharna Tola area accused that the commercial consumers who had strong political links were spared by the officials during the drive. They said that an oil mill run by a consumer who was the office bearers of an organisation was not touched by the officials in the drive while the poor consumers were harassed.