BHOPAL: The vigilance cell in the Central Zone Power Distribution Company Limited has started giving results after continuous review meetings and setting up of targets. It has detected electricity theft cases to the tune of Rs 12.59 crore so far.
The vigilance cell of the central power discom started a special campaign from April. It conducted surprise check of electricity meters in more than 21,000 establishments in the month of April and May.
The special campaign is on in all 16 districts that fall under jurisdiction of the company. It includes Bhopal division, Gwalior, Chambal and Hoshangabad divisions.
Out of these 21,000 checking of meters, the vigilance cell registered cases against 7500 consumers under various sections of the Electricity Act that related to manipulation or reading or tampering of meters and other ways to reduce electricity bill fraudulently.
Not only the cases were registered against erring consumers but bills to the tune of Rs 12.59 crore were issued to these defaulters. Out of this amount, recovery of Rs 5.44 crore has been done so far. Efforts are on to realize the remaining amount from the consumers.
Energy department is also running a special scheme under which people who inform of power theft are rewarded handsomely. The informers get 10% as reward from the revenue collected on their information besides their names are kept confidential. There is no upper limit for reward on the scheme.
