K'taka: Power theft in 1,300 installations

Bangalore, Nov 7: The Karnataka Power Transmission Company Ltd has inspected 1,300 of the 5,000 commercial, industrial and other installations following high incidence of power theft and pilferage. Karnataka, a power starved State, accounts for transmission and distribution loss of 24 per cent of which 19 per cent was distribution loss mainly in the form of theft and pilferage.

A special drive to detect pilferage was taken up and Rs 2.54 crore imposed as penalty on defaulters, a KPTCL statement here today said.

The inspections and checking of electrical installations was being carried out by special inspection teams.

Intelligence was being gathered from various sources to identify installations indulging in power theft or pilferage.

A detailed systematic study on the pattern of energy consumption in all industrial and commercial installations, suspected of pilfering power, was being carried out all over the State.

In addition to the hefty fine, the power thieves were also liable to undergo imprisonment up to three years. KPTCL had also initiated action against erring officials and employees of ESCOMs, the statement added.

UNI