Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04:
Inspite of setting up a panel to investigate and punish those having illegal power connections continued loss of power has led to speculation of involvement of top Power Department officials, according to reliable source.
With the State Government purchasing power from other States at costs estimated to be in terms of crores but having to incur loss of about 69 percent in transmission negligence and involvement of department officials could not be ruled out, said the source.
It also revealed that some consumers pay electric bills less than what is liable in connivance with department officials and personnel as reports have been received of high ranking officials and some personnel exercising favouritism to some consumers resulting in substantial revenue loss to the Government.
Out of 69 percent power loss, around 30 percent is said be due to faulty distribution system while the remaining quantity is unaccountable which is very alarming compared to the national average of power loss.
The Department officials, disclosed the source, could not only initiate prompt punitive action against consumers having illegal connections but has also failed in checking overuse/misuse of power by small industrial units.
Loss of power is also attributed due to use of power line beyond its limitation, dependence on old transformers and other technicalities like absence of proper mechanism to change the transformer lubricants.
While declining details on whether bills collected from the consumers are cross-checked when submitted by the department personnel, the source nevertheless pointed out that many consumers use illegal connections for electrical equipments included rampant use of heaters during the winter season.
Mention may be made that State Power Department had revised power taxes in 2000, 2001 and 2002 to recuperate loss in transmission and other technical defects.