MSPDCL suspects power theft behind revenue dip
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 31 2024:
While pointing out that providing reliable 24X7 power supply to the consumers requires achieving regular revenue realisation to suffice procurement of necessary power, Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) has said that revenue collection in recent time has gone down and it is not in consonance with the energy utilised.
In a public appeal, MSPDCL managing director H Shantikumar Singh said that unauthorised/illegal use of electricity through meter by-passing, hooking, meter tampering, unauthorised connection, etc., is strongly suspected.
"In this scenario, it is getting difficult for MSPDCL to maintain regular supply during peak hours".
Stating that the malpractices cause considerable revenue loss to MSPDCL, Shantikumar explained that the company is paying huge amount to Power Generation companies for power purchase.
In the event of failure to pay on time, power regulations (disconnections) from the generating companies are imminent and subsequently MSPDCL will fail to provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
He cautioned that the consumers who are indulging in theft of electricity by means of bypassing prepaid energy meters, tapping of electricity without proper consent (paper-work), etc., could be subjected to stringent legal action as per the Electricity Act, 2003.Under the act unauthorised usage of electricity is a cognisable offence with the offender punishable with imprisonment up to three years or fined or both.
Further, disconnection of power with no provision for reconnection in future may also be imposed, the managing director added.
He also urged the HT consumers, government consumers and LT postpaid consumers to clear their outstanding electricity Bill by February 2024 and warned that the electricity connections of the defaulters may be disconnected without any further notice.
Shantikumar exhorted all the consumers to extend cooperation to steps undertaken to serve the public with reliable power supply.