Indiscipline in using electricity is a growing challenge facing Jammu and Kashmir. The misuse of crude heaters and boilers not only damages the distribution transformers but also reduces the voltage and causes frequent cuts in the power supply. No surprise, the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities prohibit the use of these crude objects. But the misuse, abuse and overuse of power supply takes place in other ways as well.
“Crude gadgets like boilers or heaters consume uncontrolled energy. Due to this, a significant amount of energy is wasted. If consumers switch to energy-saving gadgets like geysers and induction cookers, it will contribute to saving energy,” a PDD official recently said.
And In a circular issued a few weeks ago, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited
(KPDCL) directed all its subordinate offices to immediately enforce the ban which was announced in February 2018. The ban disallows the manufacture, import, transport, sale, purchase or use of nichrome coil-based crude heaters, boilers and steamers.
What adds to the indiscipline in the use of electricity is that despite receiving electricity fee bills each month from the PDD, a significant number of consumers ignore them. This is illogical. As a result, power dues in millions stand unpaid with the non-paying consumers who ironically continue to use electricity from decades together —in spite of throwing the bills into the dustbin. Surprisingly, some of these defaulters are existing or retired employees of this UT.
This could be a reason behind the government’s recent strict directions to the District Commissioners not to pay salaries to the employees in their districts unless they clear the outstanding electricity dues. An appreciable step. It reflects seriousness from the authorities towards the issue. Nonetheless, the key is the strict implementation of the orders.
In addition, there are a good number of consumers who use — read misuse— electricity without registering their names with the department concerned. In other words, these citizens are beneficiaries of this essential service unlawfully. How? Easily so. They use kickbacks or influence to get the needful done, leaving themselves at ease to abuse the service. An impartial survey can disclose the number of those consumers.
Critics say that the illegal consumers are not at fault for the wrongdoing; it is the authorities concerned who do not step in to right the wrong. True, the officials must work honestly and treat all consumers equally. But, easier said than done: yes, seriousness and commitment from the authorities could reverse the situation: check the power theft and ensure justice with the legal consumers.
However, people cannot simply shift the responsibility; as responsible citizens, it is their prime duty to pay for the services they benefit from. Ignoring the electricity bills or using this service unlawfully, is dishonesty and the brazen violation of human rights. Also, this unacceptable behaviour disappoints the honest consumers. Even encourages some of them to stop paying the bills, delay the payment or turn to the illegal use of electricity.
Many legal consumers told this author that finding somebody as an illegal consumer of electricity or not clearing the bill from years together and facing no issues, saddens and humiliates them. So much so that at times, they feel to pay nothing at all like the defaulters. ‘What disappoints more is that even some unscrupulous government employees do not pay the power dues’, they added.
Another wrong use of electricity should not go unnoticed — just keeping the electric bulbs continuously on during day light. Include illegal hooking too. This is a common sight especially in the areas without PDD meter readings. These consumers are hard to convince, underscoring the fact that the employees concerned cannot wait for a change of heart in this case. Educating people about this essential service and getting their cooperation is ostensibly a tall order for the KPDCL. But a necessary evil that is.
To meet this huge challenge, the KPDCL must ensure the accountability of its field staff. Media can play a crucial role in making people aware about the harmful effects on society due to the non-payment of power dues and the misuse of electricity. And by clearing their outstanding fee, the non- paying government employees, serving or retired, can set a good example of being sensible citizens. Just imagine what will happen if we all decide not to pay the fee dues?
Most importantly, the PDD authorities need to reform the power supply. A smooth and successful service can prove a key reform. Not only will it end the growing notion that electricity service is beyond improvement; it will also promote a healthy attitude towards clearing the power dues. Affected power supply affects bill clearance also.
(Author is a teacher by profession and RK columnist. Feedback: [email protected])
