Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Directs PSPCL to Intensify Crackdown on Power Theft

Chandigarh: Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has issued strict directions to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials to conduct special checks across the state to detect power thefts, in line with the Punjab Government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to promoting energy conservation and curbing power theft. He stressed that regular special checks are necessary to prevent revenue losses and ensure better services for regular power consumers.

The Minister instructed PSPCL authorities to submit daily reports on the checking process, covering all power connections, including domestic, commercial, agricultural, and industrial. He warned against any laxity in checking and reporting, stating that officials found indulging in power theft would face strict action, including termination and legal proceedings.

The Minister directed the Distribution and Enforcement Teams to adhere to his instructions, warning of strict action if they failed to comply. He announced that he would personally monitor the situation and the reports submitted by officials.

The Minister also directed that penalties be imposed and FIRs registered against those found engaging in power theft, emphasizing that the menace of power theft is akin to corruption and will not be tolerated.

He commended the Distribution and Enforcement Wings of PSPCL for their efforts in checking power connections and detecting thefts during recent drives, resulting in the checking of 81,262 connections, detection of thefts, and imposition of penalties totaling approximately Rs. 13.30 Crore.

Zone-wise details revealed that:

- Border Zone Amritsar: 27,285 connections checked, thefts detected in 989 cases, penalty of Rs. 3.01 Crores imposed

- West Zone Bathinda: 6,079 connections checked, thefts detected in 872 cases, penalty of Rs. 3.03 Crores imposed

- North Zone Jalandhar: 10,718 connections checked, thefts detected in 741 cases, penalty of Rs. 1.25 Crores imposed

- Central Zone Ludhiana: 10,699 connections checked, thefts detected in 707 cases, penalty of Rs. 2.43 Crores imposed

- South Zone Patiala: 18,096 connections checked, thefts detected in 1,116 cases, penalty of Rs. 2.47 Crores imposed