Date:02/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/02/stories/2007110254020400.htm

New Delhi

Power consumers make the most of amnesty scheme

Staff Reporter

Plan to bring in as many consumers as possible into the billing net

NEW DELHI: Taking advantage of the one chance they have been offered to report tampered meters, illegal connections and other irregularities, over 750 consumers have come forward to make the most of the amnesty scheme announced by the Delhi Government’s Power Department.

The one-month-long scheme announced by Power Minister A.K. Walia began on October 15.

Applicable to all consumers except those against whom enforcement proceedings are already pending on the date of voluntary declaration by them, the scheme is aimed at enforcing discipline in the city vis-À-vis electricity connections.

While 500 consumers have so far reported their individual cases in the areas served by BYPL and BRPL, the NDPL area has received about 250 cases during the corresponding period.

The scheme allows consumers with tampered meters to report these to their power distribution company and get a legal connection. It intends to bring in as many consumers as possible into the billing net and in implementing the mandatory orders of replacing existing (and remaining) electro mechanical meters with electronic ones.

“After the closure of the amnesty scheme, BSES enforcement teams will come down heavily on power thieves. Consumers must remember that power theft is a cognizable offence and penalties can go up to 24 times the connected load and up to three years in jail,” warned a senior official.

For consumers who declare that their existing electro-mechanical meters are not working or appear to be tampered without their knowledge, the meter will be changed to an electronic one without any charge.