Cracking down on the problem of power theft, the vigilance wing of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) imposed fines up to ₹2.59 crore between September and December 2022 after inspecting 10,908 power installations. While a total of 1,781 cases were registered across eight districts which fall under Bescom’s jurisdiction, 1,721 cases have been disposed of, Bescom reported.
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The officials have also taken measures to collect pending dues in the last few months. “Initiating strict measures to collect arrears, Bescom has collected ₹358.3 crore out of the pending amount of ₹1,417.45 crore. Bescom has also disconnected 23 lakh installations for not paying arrears,” said Mahantesh Bilagi, Managing Director, Bescom.
Further, meter staff members imposed around ₹7 crore in fine over offences like misuse of tariff, over load and related violations after inspecting 2,373 meters between September and November. The officials have recovered ₹5 crore in fines so far. “Additionally, field officers also registered 4,784 cases with regard to power theft, tariff violations and imposed fines of ₹6.5 crore,” Mr. Bilagi said.
Bescom vigilance wings operate in 11 teams across Rajajinagar, Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Malleswaram, Hoskote, Ramanagaram, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chickballapur, Davanagere and Chitradurga with 11 inspectors and sub-inspectors, headed by police superintendents and executive engineers.