'Check Meter System' to control electricty theft: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 (UNI) Kerala Electricity Minister A K Balan today said electricity theft will be dealt with a firm hand by introducing ''Check Meter System'' and tariff rates rationalised in a scientific way.

Participating in a meet-the-press-programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, he said electricity theft would not be tolerated in any way and the new system will help control such cases in the future.

''Now, sophisticated devices are used for tapping electricity and it has become very difficult to identify such thefts. The 'Check Meter System' cannot be manipulated as the consumer will not be knowing where the system is going to be installed,'' Mr Balan said.

At present, once a case of theft was detected, the consumer could pay for about 30 per cent of the electricity consumed and prevent disconnection. This is will be increased to 50 per cent.

He also said if the state had a good monsoon this year, the government would think of giving certain benefits to the people.

On the bifurcation of the State Electricity Board, he said the government would ask the Centre for more time.

'' On the basis of the Central Electricty Act, the Board has to be divided into at least two companies which will be retained in the public sector.'' Pointing out the board had incurred a loss of about Rs 3,500 crore, Mr Balan said the arrears to the Board from the government and other private consumers stood at about Rs 1,500 crore.

Of this, about Rs 800 crore was due from government-run institutions, Rs 600 crore from private consumers while about Rs 400 crore was pending payment due to various cases, he said.

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