The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has made a pivotal decision to combat power theft, announcing its intent to file FIRs against consumers engaged in illegal activities such as meter tampering and bypassing, including Smart meters.
The directive, sanctioned by Vikas Kundal, Managing Director of JPDCL, instructs Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) to initiate FIRs under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, against perpetrators involved in power theft. As per the act, such offenses could lead to imprisonment for up to three years, fines, or both.
Kundal emphasized stringent actions, including potential imprisonment, against individuals resorting to bypassing Electronic/Smart meters, highlighting the significant losses incurred by such illicit practices, which burden honest consumers and deplete public resources.
Highlighting the UT Government’s commitment to reducing aggregate transmission and distribution losses, Kundal stressed that curbing power theft remains a top priority.
The MD further clarified that any form of tampering with meters or interference resulting in electricity theft would be met with legal repercussions. He urged the public to refrain from such actions detrimental to the integrity of the power distribution system.
In a proactive move against defaulters and illegal connections, JPDCL reported the disconnection of over 5256 defaulters in the past three days, aimed at raising awareness among consumers regarding timely payment of electricity bills and combating financial irregularities.
This crackdown aligns with JPDCL’s ongoing efforts to curb energy theft, with intensified inspection measures including round-the-clock patrolling to detect power pilferage, particularly instances of hooking, load violation, and meter bypassing.
In an official statement, JPDCL reaffirmed its commitment to genuine consumers, ensuring their relief from disruptions caused by erring individuals. The company stressed the necessity of combating power theft, which not only leads to outages but also damages transformers, inconveniencing legitimate consumers.
Moreover, JPDCL announced a fresh disconnection drive targeting influential and chronic defaulters with substantial arrears, urging consumers to settle pending bills promptly to avoid power disconnections. Kundal reiterated JPDCL’s dedication to providing uninterrupted and reliable power supply to compliant consumers.