Odisha struggles to meet electricity duty collection target

After falling short of the targeted revenue collection by way of electricity duty (ED) in 2012-13, the state energy department is struggling to meet the stipulated target in the current fiscal as well.

The department could manage to collect Rs 591.16 crore as ED against the targeted Rs 700 crore for the last fiscal. In 2013-14, actual collection till the end of October was Rs 369.63 crore compared to the target of Rs 710 crore.

The department is taking action to expedite the inspection work and collection of arrears in ED despite shortage of inspecting officers and ministerial staff. Some cases of ED arrears are also locked up in courts, delaying realization of revenue.
 

"We are unable to meet the target due to shortage of technical and ministerial staff", said a department official.

In spite of shortage of inspecting officers, the energy department is taking steps to quickly discharge the inspection works of electrical installations whenever requisition is received from the concerned firms. Periodical inspections are also done regularly and safety certificates are issued to all firms in the shape of inspection reports.

Besides revenue collection, electrical inspectors have also been entrusted with the activities of enquiry into the electrical accidents and submission of enquiry report to the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC).

As per Section 126 of the Electricity Act 2003, electrical inspectors have been designated as appellate authority to resolve the dispute between the consumer and supplier regarding assessment on unauthorized use of electricity by the consumer. Electrical inspectors have also been authorized by the government to accept money by way of penalty from the consumer who is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence of theft of electricity punishable under the Act.