_______________________________________________________________________


New Delhi 7 February 2011

Press Release


BSES discoms caution against overloading transformers

due to power theft and insuffifient sanctioned load




The onus of reliable, safe and uninterrupted power supply is as much the responsibility of the customers as it is of the discoms. Over-loading in the electricity distribution system can lead to disruption of supply, even collapse of the network. More often than not, this over-loading is caused due to two main reasons – (i) Unauthorised drawl of power and (ii) Power-theft.


Overloading due to unauthorised drawal of power and power-theft puts a heavy strain on the distribution network. This, at places, is leading to severe over-loading of the distribution system (transformers / feeders), resulting in trippings and is also a potential safety hazard. This dangerous over-loading of the distribution system can also damage the distribution equipment.


There are many areas, where unauthorized over-loading on Distribution Transformers has reached dangerous levels – even reaching 100% in some cases. Some of these areas in West and South Delhi, where over-loading due to unauthorized load has crossed 100% include Matiala Village (Dwarka), Dabri and Palam Village (Palam), Kapeshera Village (Vasant Kunj),Sarai Kale Khan (Nizamuddin), Tilak Nagar Double Story, Ranhola (Mundka), Swaran Park (Mundka). Some of the areas, where over-loading has crossed over 80% include Sangam Vihar (Khanpur),. Areas in East and Central Delhi include Trilokpuri (Mayur Vihar), Jai Prakash Nagar (Yamuna Vihar), Damodar Park (GT Road), parts of West Vinod Nagar , (Laxmi Nagar), Karwal Nagar Village (Karawal Nagar) , and Jagatpuri


Effects of overloading


BSES discoms have invested over Rs 4500 crore over the years, proactively strengthening their network, designed and periodically upgraded on the basis of Load Forecasts – the declaration made by the consumers about their estimated power consumption. This declaration made by the consumers, about required load and more importantly about enhancement of load with passage of time is crucial to maintain the distribution network’s health and to ensure quality power at home and office.



“The severe over-loading of the distribution system, at times neutralises the pro-active steps taken by the discom to enhance and strengthen the distribution system.” said a BSES official.


For safety of the distribution system, preventing damage to equipment and to ensure honest and genuine consumers are not inconvenienced as a result, the discoms may not have a choice, but to resort to outages in these areas. This is the standard practice the world-over, whenever such dangerous levels of unauthorized over-loading occur. Even the Indian Electricity Act 2003, empowers the discoms to take preventive steps for the safety of its network.


Reasons for over-loading


“Over-loading/drawal occurs, due to unauthorised drawal of power by consumers – when they consume more electricity than their Sanctioned load. “Suppose a customer had an electricity connection for an X amount of load. Say 5 KW. But over the years, he/she acquires more electricity guzzling gadgets like Air Conditioners, Geysers, Blowers etc, but hasn’t got his/her Sanctioned load increased / enhanced from 5 KW to say 7 or 10 KW”, said a BSES official.


Power-theft also puts a heavy strain on the distribution network – a phenomenon that has witnessed a sharp and sudden spurt during the unusually cold weather.


According to a BSES spokesperson, “BSES appeals to consumers to increase their Sanctioned Load commensurate with their requirements. This will go a long way in ensuring a safe and reliable power supply. All it takes is one call to the helpline number 399 99 707/399 99 808 for Door Step Service for load enhancement, a one-time Advanced Consumption Deposit (ACD) of Rs 600 per KW (Domestic) and Rs 1500 per KW (Commercial) and charges for replacement of service line, if required, to enhance load”


“Consumers should continue taking the lead and report power-theft in their neighbourhood. This will assist BSES in its campaign against power-theft. Consumers simply have to call the helpline number 39999707 (BRPL) and 39999808 (BYPL) and leave an anonymous tip-off. This will help BSES take action. This will further go in improving the power-supply in the area”, added the official.


BRPL and BYPL, Delhi’s premier power distribution companies are committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all their consumers.