Power theft detected, Rs 18 lakhs fine imposed

LUDHIANA: The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), on Wednesday, conducted checks in Aggar Nagar division and about 29 cases of theft and one of unauthorised use of electricity (UUE) were found. In the action that lasted several hours, Rs 18-lakh penalty was imposed on violators.
PSPCL superintending engineer Punardeep Singh Brar said, “Checks were conducted at PAU type-12 quarters, Baba Nand Singh Nagar, Aashiana Enclave, Ram Balraj Enclave, Jassian Road, and Sai Enclave Ladian Road. In the 29 theft cases and one UUE case tentative, assessment is about Rs 18 lakh.”
This is the second biggest anti-theft operation by the PSPCL in a fortnight and a senior officer said more such punitive actions will be conducted in the coming days. Recently, power minister Harbhajan Singh had also sought action against power theft. He had said teams of the enforcement and distribution wings were conducting regular checks in all zones of PSPCL and taking stern action, besides imposing hefty fines. The minister had also released a WhatsApp number (96461-75770) for reporting power theft cases.
Power shutdown
On Thursday, 11 KV feeders will remain off due to maintenance work from 10am to 5.30pm. Some of the areas where power will remain affected include Seera Road, Dhrampura Colony, Bajigar Colony, Harkrishan Vihar, Meharban, Seera, Kaptan Colony, Mangat, Vidya Vihar and GK Estate. TNN