Unauthorised use of domestic power rampant in construction
Many people are using domestic supply (DS) electricity connections without authorisation for renovation and construction activities particularly in Rewari and Mahendragarh districts.
In most cases, this unauthorised use stems from a lack of awareness regarding the requirement to obtain a temporary electricity connection for such activities.
“This unauthorised usage not only violates electricity regulations but also results in significant revenue loss to the power corporation as temporary connections are charged higher tariffs than domestic ones,” said a local official of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN).
Expressing concern over this practice, the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL) has urged all senior officials of DHBVN in Rewari and Mahendragarh to launch a public awareness campaign.
The objective is to educate consumers about the appropriate use of DS connections, inform them of the need to apply for temporary connections during any construction or renovation work and make them aware of the legal consequences of using DS connections for unauthorised purposes.
“While hearing cases of power theft, it has been observed that there is an issue of public unawareness regarding the proper usage of DS electricity connections particularly during house renovation or construction activities. Many domestic consumers unintentionally use their DS connections for purposes that fall under non-domestic category, specially while using construction equipment during home renovation,” said Sanjay Yadav, Executive Engineer-cum- Appellate authority at HVPNL Rewari.
He said, “Nearly 50 per cent of cases related to the unauthorised use of domestic connections are linked to home renovation and other construction activities. In about 30 per cent of the cases, electricity is stolen through direct tapping from power lines while the remaining 20 per cent involve the use of electricity from neighbours’ connections during new construction.”
Yadav maintained that such violation leads to the booking of cases under Sector 126 of the Electricity Act 2003, which deals with unauthorised use of electricity. “In this situation, public awareness will only help in reducing violations. Hence, we have urged the DHBVN officials to launch a public awareness programme,” he added.
Meanwhile, a DHBVN official, on anonymity, further explained that since the tariff for temporary connections is significantly higher than that for domestic supply, many consumers who are aware of temporary connection regulation deliberately avoid applying for the appropriate connection to save money.
The official also mentioned that the use of DS connections for construction purposes is classified as unauthorised under electricity regulations. “As a result, the concerned Junior Engineers are instructed to inspect construction sites. If they find such activities being carried out without a valid temporary connection, then action is initiated,” he added.
Haryana Tribune