KPDCL’s vigilant crackdown unearths various power theft techniques across Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 8: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has launched an extensive campaign to combat power theft, conducting day and night inspections that have exposed a range of illegal practices from hooking to meter tampering.

During these inspections, officials discovered instances of consumers resorting to simple hooking of distribution lines and complex tampering of meters.

In certain locations, individuals had gone as far as installing changeovers to facilitate power theft. KPDCL, in its pursuit to raise awareness, has been sharing videos on social media platform X, one of which, originating from Chanapora, has gone viral. The footage reveals a consumer utilising underground wiring to stealthily siphon off electricity.

Taking to their official social media handle, KPDCL stated, "Kids play Gulli Danda, we play 'Kundi Danda' with Bijli Chors! #KPDCL warriors will go out in freezing cold to unmask those who don't care for patients, students & sisters engaged in daily chores."

In another comment addressing power thefts, KPDCL emphasised priorities, noting, "Electricity for an Oxygen Concentrator is more important than electricity for a crude heater. Electricity for the studies of our kids is more important than electricity for a crude water boiler."

A senior KPDCL official revealed shocking findings during inspections, highlighting cases where consumers paying a nominal monthly bill were consuming electricity worth ten times the amount. In one instance, a consumer paying Rs 750 per month was found running four crude heaters, two in the kitchen, and a boiler.

"With 65 percent non-metered consumers out of the total 11 lakh power connections in Kashmir, the pilferage levels are unsustainable," expressed the senior KPDCL official, emphasising the detrimental impact on service quality.

Chief Engineer Javid Yusuf Dar underscored the societal consequences of power theft, stating, "By indulging in power thefts, these people are creating problems for the whole society."

He assured an intensified crackdown while concurrently advancing smart metering processes.

In a bid to improve power supply, KPDCL announced incentives for 22 feeders with low AT&C losses and pledged to extend round-the-clock power supply to additional areas. Recent data revealed that KPDCL conducted 14,893 inspections last month, resulting in fines totaling Rs 1.80 crore imposed on consumers for power theft and meter bypassing.