TURA: In an effort to crack down on illegal power consumers in the plain belt areas of West Garo Hills District, a team from the MeECL comprising of MePDCL Assistant Executive Engineer (Vigilance) and CIs of Phulbari and Rajabala carried out checks where various violations were detected.
In Phulbari, Rajabala and Bhatbari areas several cases of power thefts by residents were detected and the team was able to dismantle the illegal connections. The team also visited several business establishments responsible for utilizing power beyond the permissible limits and warned of action if they continue the violation.
“We found a particular welding shop at Rajabala that was using electricity beyond the permissible limits by the use of additional machines. They are allowed the use of only one machine which uses up only 350 AMP. However, they are using three of the machines which is one of the causes of low voltage problems in the region,” Assistant Executive Engineer of the MeEPDCL, Walsang N Sangma told the Shillong Times adding, the shop has been warned and stronger action would be taken if the violation continues in future.
Sangma also pointed out that people were only endangering themselves by stealing power through illegal connections from low tension wires as they themselves could be victims of electrocution. He warned the people to desist from indulging in power thefts as a case can be filed against them under section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act.
“The reason for low voltage in the region is due to these violations by the people. When shops and factories utilize additional machines than the permissible limit, more power is drawn to these establishments. It is also a strain on the transformer which eventually develop faults resulting revenue loss to the department,” Sangma said.
