The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JAN 30, 2024
TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) is intensifying its efforts to combat power theft, recognizing it as a significant impediment to its pursuit of operational excellence. In a proactive move, TPCODL has initiated a robust campaign against power theft, deploying its enforcement team to crack down on unauthorized electricity usage.
During recent inspections in the Gop Section area of the Nimapara Electrical Division, the vigilant TPCODL team uncovered a poultry firm clandestinely tapping into electricity from the nearest LT pole, sustaining a daily load of 10 KW without proper authorization. Similarly, in the Jatni area, a welding shop and rice huller were caught siphoning power from the nearest LT pole through parallel hooking to operate their 15KW load base, engaging in blatant electricity theft.
In another instance of vigilant enforcement, the diligent TPCODL team at Brahmagiri in the Puri area detected a mobile tower owner resorting to nefarious means by injecting foreign circuitry into the metering apparatus, deceitfully manipulating consumption recording for an 8 KW load, resulting in a staggering financial loss of Rs 3 lakh. Likewise, in the Marshaghai Electrical Division, a rice huller owner was found guilty of tampering with the meter, illicitly availing unauthorized power supply with an unauthorized load of 8KW, causing a financial loss of Rs 3.5 lakh.
More recently, in the Puri Electrical Division, a hotel was found surreptitiously drawing power through a tampered meter, deceitfully manipulating consumption recording. The TPCODL enforcement team unearthed 18 tampered meters in total, exposing a rampant culture of ptheft amounting to a staggering Rs 32 lakh.
To safeguard the interests of legitimate consumers and deter illicit connections, TPCODL is conducting extensive campaigns, rigorously inspecting meters and scrutinizing wiring to identify and disconnect unauthorized users. Stringent actions against offenders are aimed at curbing theft and reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, thereby alleviating the financial burden on law-abiding consumers.
TPCODL is steadfast in its commitment to take decisive action against perpetrators engaged in the theft of electricity, in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 for “Pilferage of Electricity.” Under section 135 of the Act, theft of electricity is a punishable offense, and repeat offenders can face imprisonment. Furthermore, consumers who provide vital information about electricity theft will be duly rewarded.
TPCODL has streamlined the process for reporting instances of electricity theft, enabling consumers to lodge complaints via WhatsApp at 9437158670, email at [email protected], TPCODL MITRA APP, or through the TPCODL website, as stated in a press release issued by the company.
