Power tariff hike likely from April
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 14 2023:
Stealing electricity by tapping the power lines and by-passing the meter is only incurring losses for the people and not the Department, Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) general manager (Commercial) M Rabi has stated.
He made the statement during the 23rd meeting of the State Advisory Committee, Manipur held under the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur & Mizoram at Hotel Classic, here, on Tuesday.
General manager Rabi said that although there are reports of power theft in hill and valley areas without pre-paid meter connections, officials are unable to carry out frequent inspections due to these areas being located far away from the office.
He then urged the public not to steal electricity, adding that those found guilty will be liable for a prison term and a fine amounting to three times the unit stolen under the Indian Electricity Act 2003.Stating that the meeting was held to discuss how to increase the revenue of the power sector, provide additional service to the people and rectify any shortcomings of the department, the general manager said that opinions would be collected on how much the public would be affected by increasing the existing tariff on power and how much "loss" the Department will incur if the tariff is lowered.
Mentioning the allocation of Rs 105 crore in the state for clearing the pending electricity bills of government departments, Rabi informed that the power department has been able to collect around Rs 84 crore till date, while adding that the remaining Rs 20 crore will be collected by end of March.
In addition, efforts will be made to collect the remaining outstanding dues so as to ensure all departments do not have any pending power dues.
He further informed that in continuation of the Committee meeting, a hearing on power tariff will be organised on Wednesday, wherein discussions will be held on whether to increase or lower the tariff.
The decision taken will be put into effect from April onwards, he added.
The meeting was attended by Committee chairperson Lalchharliana Pachuau; commissioner (Power) Sailesh Kumar Chourasia; chief (Engineering) H Thanthianga and MSPCL managing director N Sarat Singh as presidium members.