POWER WOES | Government to act tough against consumers using crude gadgets

Srinagar, Nov 28: Government has directed the officials of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to constitute checking squads to curb the use of crude and banned power gadgets by consumers.

The action has been taken following directions from the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, who emphasised the need for a campaign against the usage of such devices during a review meeting earlier this month.
As per an official document, the Divisional Commissioner earlier has instructed that a comprehensive campaign be initiated against the use of crude and banned gadgets by consumers.

In wake of this, the district administration in Baramulla has written to the Superintendent Engineer (SE) Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in Baramulla, urging them to form teams and checking squads as well.

These teams are tasked with investigating and addressing the menace of crude and banned gadget usage by consumers.

The district administration has emphasised that appropriate action under relevant rules and laws should be taken against violators.

"The action taken report should be submitted to the office for further submission to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir," the official communication reads.
This crackdown comes at a time when the KPDCL has already launched a campaign against consumers involved in illegal hooking and power theft.
An official said that the primary objective behind the campaign against crude gadgets is to conserve energy and raise awareness among consumers about the benefits of using energy-efficient devices.

"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," the official said.

He said the move is as a proactive measure to address the growing concerns over power theft and illegal hooking in the region.

Notably, the KPDCL has already intensified night patrolling and inspections across all 10 districts of the Kashmir division to combat incidents of massive hooking and power theft.

"In unmetered areas, consumers are reportedly using power at rates three to four times their registered load, leading to frequent damages to distribution transformers and causing low voltage conditions, resulting in distress cuts," the official said.