To bail out PSPCL, CM orders check on power theft

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered a crackdown on power theft to check huge losses suffered by the PSPCL, particularly in areas bordering Pakistan and Haryana.

With Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was allocated the power portfolio last month, still not joining, it was left to the Chief Minister to chair the high-level meeting to review the state’s power situation in this peak summer time.

The issues of Union Government cutting down on the state’s quota of coal supply and the state government’s inability to release power subsidy, pushing the PSPCL to the brink, were also discussed. The CM directed the Chief Secretary to issue detailed guidelines to the district police and civil administration in the districts concerned to work with the PSPCL to check power theft.

He also asked the Chief Secretary to tie up with the DGP to ensure adequate police protection to PSPCL staff engaged in taking action against unscrupulous elements over power theft.

BS Sran, PSPCL CMD, informed the meeting that the maximum losses on urban power supply (UPS) feeders were reported in the border towns of Bhikiwind (80 per cent), Patti (71 per cent), Zira (61 per cent) followed by Patran (57 per cent), Baghapurana (55 per cent), Tarn Taran (51 per cent) and Ajnala (50 per cent).

To clear PSPCL’s mounting subsidy arrears, the Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to ensure timely release of payment to help the power entity operate seamlessly and efficaciously. He asked the department to ensure release of subsidy payments at regular intervals. Subsidy worth Rs 3,194 crore is pending.