GUWAHATI—10-05-2011 A scene of the power theft in broad day light in Guwahati city on Monday, May 10, 2011. Such kind of power theft is very commonly seen in many parts of the Guwahati city now a days. For arresting rampant power theft in remote areas of the State, the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) has decided to delegate the work to local input-based franchisees at places, where the Board is incurring losses with pilferage beyond control. The State at present is losing around 15-20 per cent of the total electricity consumed due to power pilferage that amounts to a hefty sum of Rs 120 to 150 crore annually. Though the total annual aggregate electricity loss in the State is around 30 per cent, only 10 to 15 per cent is wasted due to technical reasons and the rest because of power stealing, which has posed a major challenge for the ASEB, especially in rural Assam, where power consumption through illegal means is very common. PHOTO: RITU_RAJ_KONWAR
The Electricity Division of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has introduced a new scheme to offer cash rewards to those who provide information on electricity thefts to curtail revenue losses.
On confirmation of the theft, the complainant shall be paid ₹5,000 or 1% of the cost of electricity stolen, whichever is less, as first instalment of their award. Upon proper investigation, and when the dues are recovered from the accused, the whistleblower shall receive 5% of the dues or a maximum reward of ₹50, 000, whichever is less.
Rewards above ₹20,000 shall be paid through online transfers. The complainant’s name shall be kept confidential. Information about meter tampering or power theft can be passed on to the Vigilance Department at 24194578/ 22799572 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or write to cvoes@bes tundertaking.com
