Power theft by 19 per cent consumers in MP

Bhopal, May 25 (UNI) Nearly 19 per cent electricity consumers in Madhya Pradesh have been found indulging in power theft or other irregularities during inspections last year.

''Irregularities or power theft were detected at 2,88,185 connections out of a total 15,06,489 high tension and low tension connections inspected during 2006-07.'' official sources said today.

The Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board recovered Rs 81.73 crore from the erring consumers last year, an increase of Rs 6.74 crore recovered during the previous year. Compared to previous years, more connections were inspected during 2006-07, the sources added.

Board's Western Region Discom conducted inspection of maximum 10,72,745 connections and recovered Rs 50.51 crore from 1,68,255 consumers found indulging in power theft or other irregularities.

In the East Region Discom area, 3,16,908 consumers were inspected and Rs 19.37 crore recovered from 80,145 erring consumers, while Rs 11.85 crore were recovered from 39,785 consumers out of total 1,16,836 consumers inspected by the Central Region Power Distribution Company last year.

Three Discoms were formed after unbundling of MPSEB, while the state had highest transmission and distribution loss of about 40 per cent.

UNI