Strong resolution of Capt. Amarinder Singh Chief Minister, Punjab to curb the menace of theft of electricity from the state has imparted a new vigour to the campaign against theft of electricity by PSPCL and has helped achieve excellent results for their objective.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited CMD Er. Baldev Singh Sran disclosed that within two weeks of July month massive raids were conducted by PSPCL DS & enforcement teams in Punjab.

CMD Er. Baldev Singh Sran disclosed that a penalty of Rupees 521.13 lacs have been charged from 2643 consumers for theft of power from across state and 39953 premises of consumers were checked during these raids. He appreciated the role and contribution of the different enforcement teams while sharing the excellent results of special drive by 5 operation zones of PSPCL. He said that Amritsar Zone Distribution teams have done a great job, they checked 19290 consumers and found 1026 for theft and charged them 161.68 lacs as penalty. Distribution teams in Bathinda Zone checked the premises of 1514 consumers and charged 131.54 lacs to 590 defaulting consumers. In Patiala Zone 442 consumers were charged for Rupees 76.84 lacs. 4264 consumers of industrial town Ludhiana and Khanna circle were checked and 160 consumers found for theft of power and charged for Rupees 37.94 lacs. The teams of Jalandhar Zone had checked 7125 consumers and found 260 indulging in theft and a sum of rupees 29.27 lacs charged.

Further, Enforcement teams under Engineer-in-chief Enforcement wing had also checked the premises of 1459 consumers and found 165 indulging in theft and charged them 83.86 lacs as penalty.

At 2-3 places, PSPCL squads were gheraoed and obstructed from checking by locals namely Wajidke, Zirra and Fazilka areas and local staff accompanying the enforcement squad was also manhandled by the notorious persons. FIRs have been lodged against the people involved in obstruction of theft detection drive at Wajidke. It is pertinent to mention here that Hon’ble CM, Punjab has asked the Chief Secretary and DGP to ensure adequate police protection to PSPCL staff engaged in taking action against unscrupulous elements engaged in pilferage of power through ‘kundi connections’.

PSPCL explained that theft of power indirectly results in rise in tariff due to low revenue collection which will put burden on honest consumers also. PSPCL has appealed to all its consumers to help Corporation in controlling the menace of theft of electricity by providing information about theft of power for campaign against theft of electricity in the state. Consumers/informers can also inform about theft of electricity on Whatsapp no 96461-75770 PSPCL assured its consumers that their identity will not be disclosed.

Issued by Dy. Secy./Public Relations,