The Uttar Pradesh government is taking comprehensive steps to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and curb power theft.
The government has instructed UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) for on the spot load revision of consumers who are consuming more electricity than the load sanctioned on their connection.
The government intends to not just take action against those consuming electricity without a proper connection, but also to offer them an immediate electricity connection on the spot. The government will soon take steps on this by issuing SOP (standard operating procedure).
The state government has taken several measures to curb power theft in the state. One of these measures is the introduction of the Bijli Mitra portal, which allows people to complain about power theft without revealing their identities. Since the launch of the portal, numerous complaints have been received and in response the UPPCL has taken serious actions.
Presiding over a meeting to review the performance of the enforcement team of the power utility, UPPCL Chairman Ashish Goyal said that continuous efforts were being made to curb power theft and improve the power distribution system. He said the enforcement teams should have forms for approving electricity connections and increasing loads so that on the spot connections could be given.
“Arrangements have been made to increase the on the spot load of electricity users who are using high loads by taking low load connections. Enforcement teams will address the issue following the guidelines,” he said.
Goyal added that when it comes to providing immediate connections to those who are engaged in power theft, it has been decided that along with recovery from the defaulters, arrangements for giving them connections are being considered.
After taking a decision, a detailed SOP will be issued shortly, through which the enforcement teams will be able to take action easily.
The UPPCL chairman also made it clear that it should be ensured that no person with a disconnected connection is able to consume electricity without getting a valid connection approved.
Regarding the Bijli Mitra portal, which was launched to address power theft complaints, he said that complaints were being received consistently and appropriate measures were being taken in response.
The enforcement teams have addressed a significant number of these complaints, and in numerous instances, legal actions, such as lodging of FIRs against those involved in power theft, have been initiated.
Goyal advocated making the Bijli Mitra portal more professional and directed that it be linked with the RMS portal. With this, complete information about consumers who pilfer electricity will be available.
The UPPCL chairman discussed the creation of a transparent portal for evaluating instances of electricity theft. This portal would handle the assessment of power theft cases, including any necessary modifications. It will bring transparency to the work of assessment and avoid irregularities.
To increase the usage of the Bijli Mitra portal, the UPPCL chairman proposed developing a policy that ensures both confidentiality and possible rewards for individuals who file complaints.
