Punjab takes steps to check energy theft

Punjab has adopted various technical measures and innovative initiatives  to cut down transmission and distribution (T & D) losses and check theft of energy. It has also resulted in dropping of considerable peak demand by 1000 Mw annually.

Punjab has invested Rs 2000 crore for an underground power cables network in order to have wire-free roads and uninterrupted power supply.

According to an official spokesman, on the directions of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the power portfolio, to create best power infrastructure in the state, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has implemented major initiatives to control theft of energy and scaling down T & D losses that included shifting of low voltage distribution system to high voltage distribution system, replacement of ordinary lamps with CFLs, addition of capacitors, shifting of meters outside consumers premises, up-gradation and strengthening of distribution system, automated meter reading (AMR) facilities etc.

He said that such measures had resulted in dropping of peak demand by about 1000 Mw and saving of 1200 million units (MUs) annually.

He further added that T & D system of major towns in Punjab was being up-graded and strengthened in a phased manner. Giving details he informed that Punjab would be the first state in the country to have all urban areas with underground power cables network in order to have a wire free roads and uninterrupted power supply within next two years.