Power Minister warns of stern action against theft

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 1: Warning stringent action against power pilferage, Kerala Electricity Minister A K Balan today informed the state Assembly that the Anti Power Theft Squad (APTS) of the Electricity Board had registered 3,512 cases last year.

The Board had intensified the functioning of the APTS, constituted under an Inspector General of police, conducting more surprise checks both during day and night, he said, replying to questions from Mr Saju Paul (CPM) and others.

The Minister said the Board had realised Rs 10.8 crore by way of penalty against power theft, out of the Rs 16.05 crore imposed as fine.

Mr Balan said the state government would not give any concessions to even government departments or PSUs, if they failed to pay the power tariff to the Board on time.

The Board had dues of Rs 620.07 crore without interest from High Tension and Extra High Tension private and commercial consumers, he said adding the government had realised Rs 24.34 crore from HT consumers.

He added the Board was taking steps to replace 10,65,167 faulty electricity meters. The task would be completed soon according to the availability of meters.

UNI