The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has warned of stringent action against consumers found violating power consumption norms.Those indulging in power theft and tampering the safety features in the TNEB monitoring meter at the homes could have their power connection cut off besides facing penalties and prison sentence.
Domestic consumers should not misuse their power connection by diverting it to carry out commercial, industrial and manufacturing activities or use the connection to give power to other houses. The free power being given to farmers is solely meant for agricultural and farming purposes.
If the power connection was found to be used for any purpose other than the one stated by the consumer while obtaining the connection, it would be considered as power theft, the TNEB warned. According to an official press release, power for construction activities should be obtained separately and it would be temporary connection. Those giving information regarding power theft would be adequately rewarded
and such information would be kept confidential. The free electricity being given to huts should be used only to power one lamp (40 watts) and a free colour television (70 W). If it is found to be used to power any other
appliances, the power connection would be severed and the consumer could face fine and prison sentence.
The TNEB appealed to all consumers to cooperate with the Board employees to fulfil their duty and also implement its suggestions on power conservation.