CESC to give temporary connections to 3470 pandals

"CESC has already processed more than 3455 applications for temporary connections last year was 3406. The growing number of applications for connections reflects greater awareness and the desire of puja organisers to comply with the law and not indulge in pilferage," CESC Executive Director Aniruddha Basu told reporters here.

He said the total power demand in puja pandals this year is estimated at 4 million units, which is slightly higher that last year's 3.8 million units.

The application for the highest load, 400 KW, came from Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity, Maddox Square, followed by Youth Association, Md Ali Park (190 KW) and Ballygunge Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity (170 KW).

Last year, the electricity demand during the Puja was 1623 MW, CESC said.

"A series of meetings were held with Puja organisers followed by personal visits to obtain a better understanding of their needs and expectations. We decided to introduce Helplines, spot billing, touchbase with customers during the entire period through SMS, among few other things," Basu said.

CESC will also contribute 10 per cent (around Rs 36 lakh) of the puja electricity bills, he said, adding that last year the company had earned "Rs 2 crore of revenue from the initiative."

Besides, CESC will be conducting drives against pilferage and unauthorised connections during puja days with teams checking pandals.