EFFORTS OF MSEDCL TO CURB ELECTRICITY THEFT CASES?
Aurangabad,
August 5, 2017: Theft cases amounting Rs.126.42 lakh were registered from
April-2017 to June-2017 which is one of the major issue for the city. According
to the official report only Rs.6.95 lakh were assessed and FIRs were filed
against the rest of them in the concerned police stations.
According to
the govt. as for the household consumption, 2kW is permitted and for the
commercial consumption, 20kW is permitted. If broken the law, charges are imposed
according to ‘Electricity Act 2003’. Under this act, two sections are assigned
for the theft of electricity; Section 126 and Section 135. Under section 126,
stealing electricity of neighbours and using the provided electricity for other
purposes than the permitted ones are covered. Section 135 includes theft of electricity
using hooks on service wires, bypassing meter wire, using remotes to stop the
transfer of electric current to the specified location, breaking of shield of
meter and trying to manipulate the readings and the mechanics of the machine.
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| Stats of MSEDCL of Recorded Thefts |
An official
of MSEDCL said, “DP gets burned and also the distribution company suffers
energy loss because of the theft which results into huge economic loss. Also,
many accidents occur because of the broken wires left on the street which are
results of theft. Many people die stealing electricity which also results into
a huge loss for the family of victim as some actions are taken even if a person
is caught while stealing.”
In
Maharashtra state, there are 6 politicians assigned to help the distribution company
in the matters related to theft. Aurangabad comes under the jurisdiction of
Jalna’s Politician. If someone is accused of stealing the electricity, the
politician as well as the employees of the distribution company can investigate
the case and give the conclusion. FIR is lodged against the accused and if
found guilty, a fine is charged and in some cases, sentenced to jail.
According to
RTI, a consumer can ask questions regarding the bill charged to him and if he
doubts the service then he can file a complaint to Sub Division Officer of the
respective area as for Aurangabad, Central Centre for Consumer Service
(Kendriya Grahak Suvidhaya Kendra) is authorized. Later on, the complaint is
looked after and resolved. One can also apply for checking of meter if one
thinks that the meter is manipulated. You can file a complain in Section/Unit
office of the respective area and have to pay the fees amounting Rs.150/- for
which you will get a receipt and finally the check will be done in front of the
consumer. As for details, you will receive it within a month of check.
If the
distribution company is suspicious for the theft of electricity in a specific
area then IT system checks for the distribution transformer of that respective
area. The amount of outgoing energy and incoming energy is calculated and the
difference is checked. If the difference varies drastically then a special team
of the concerned office is sent into the area and a camp is set up. During the
camp, electricity meter of each and every house which comes under the
transformer is checked upon. Then the list of accused people is given out, the
bill amounting the difference is charged to the accused and are given time span
of 48 hours to pay or else FIR is lodged against the accused and an investigation
is conducted. Later, the court takes control over the issue. If the accused is
found guilty then the meter is seized along with other equipments if any.
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