Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has rejected the proposal by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to grant electricity connections to individuals accused of power theft without mandating the clearance of their previous outstanding dues.
The commission said the proposal was in direct contravention of the fundamental tenets enshrined in the Electricity Act, 2003 and the Supply Code, 2005.
On Sept 30, the UPPCL made a proposal seeking to amend Section 8.1 of the Electricity Distribution Code with the UPERC, with the objective of allowing power connections for those who were apprehended for power theft. On Oct 14, UPPCL implemented the order across the state without securing approval from UPERC.
This order permitted power connections for domestic (LMV-1) and commercial (LMV-2) consumers with loads up to 4KW, even for those with pending dues or against whom FIRs were registered under the charges of power theft. The only requirement was the submission of a declaration on plain paper, affirming their compliance with any future policy decisions.
"Under the Electricity Act 2003, once the supply of electricity is disconnected on account of detection of electricity theft or pending dues then the supply cannot be restored unless the due amount is paid," read an order by UPERC.
According to chairperson of UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad Avadhesh Kumar Verma: "We had moved a plea against UPPCL proposal, as it was a blatant violation of the law. We welcome the order issued by Arvind Kumar, chairman of the regulatory commission, and Sanjay Kumar Singh, member, on the matter."
Currently, it's not known how many defaulters had benefited from UPPCL proposal, and after UPERC order, will the corporation again disconnect the power supply of such defaulters.