Power use for commercial purpose no theft: UPPCL

LUCKNOW: The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has clarified that consumer using a part of connected load of his domestic power connection for some commercial purpose cannot be booked for theft of electricity.

In a letter issued to the field engineers last week, UPPCL managing director, Aparna U has said that consumers using a power connection for an activity that comes under the higher tariff category can be penalized for unauthorized use of power and be asked to pay difference of tariff but cannot be booked for theft.

“There are complaints that engineers and enforcement squads are registering cases under section 135 of the Electricity Act, against consumers found using a part of their connected domestic connection load for commercial purposes,” she said.

Referring to an order passed by the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC), she said, “The light and fan domestic consumers having sanctioned load less than or equal to 5 kw and using part of their sanctioned load coming under commercial category shall be treated as case under section 125 of the Act (unauthorized use ) only.” Meanwhile, the UPPCL on Tuesday announced that field engineers who brought commercial and technical losses down to a desired level would be posted in divisions and circles that are important revenue-wise power supply-wise.