Baramulla, Dec 23: The strict clampdown on illegal usage of power has resulted in an improved power supply across north Kashmir. In a determined effort to combat rampant power theft, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has undertaken an extensive campaign in North Kashmir, conducting day and night inspections that have exposed illegal practices of meter tampering and illegal hooking.
During the recent inspections in parts of north Kashmir, officials unearthed instances of consumers engaging in illicit hooking of distribution lines and intricate tampering of meters.
“The severity of power theft in North Kashmir became apparent as the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) Losses for the region reached a staggering percentage by the end of November 2023,” officials confirmed to Rising Kashmir.
Superintending Engineer Circle Sopore Habib Chowdhary told Rising Kashmir that the major portion of AT&C losses is attributed to theft of power, highlighting the critical issue at hand.
“The extent of power theft is exemplified by the recorded peak load demand of approximately 500MW, surpassing the agreed-upon load of 298MW for domestic consumers,” he said.
SE Circle Sopore outlined the comprehensive measures taken to curb power theft, including the formation of Inspection Squads conducting day and night drives in all divisions of North Kashmir during November and December 2023.
“From December 1st to December 20th, a total of 270 inspection drives were executed in the North Circle,” he said.
Shockingly, 5287 consumers were found involved in power theft through hooking, meter bypassing, exceeding sanctioned loads, or employing banned electrical gadgets.
Additionally, 397 cases of illegal and un-agreed electricity usage were recorded, resulting in fines totaling Rs. 31.59 lakh.
SE Circle Sopore Habib Chowdhary revealed that an instant and marked improvement was witnessed in the power scenario throughout North Kashmir following these measures.
The inspection teams’ daily documentation, including images, provided tangible evidence of progress.
“Instances such as a load dropping from 302A to 262A on an 11KV Feeder upon team arrival were common, reflecting the success of enhanced inspections,” he added.
He said that this reduction in load was observed not only at Receiving Stations but also at Grid Stations, leading to a significant decrease in distress cuts.
Consequently, the curtailment schedule was revised to provide consumers with more hours of power supply.
“Metered areas, as well as non-metered areas, now enjoy an improved supply of daily power compared to earlier months, showcasing a substantial improvement in electricity distribution,” he further said.
The KPDCL’s relentless efforts have not only exposed and penalized power thieves but have also resulted in tangible improvements in the power supply scenario, bringing relief to residents in North Kashmir.
Officials however also stated that the additional power supply from the central pool has also improved the power distribution throughout entire North Kashmir.
