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New Delhi 29 July 2011
Press Release
Four storied electroplating factories caught stealing 70 KW power,
penalised Rs 25 lakh
BYPL to conduct more raids against illegal electro-plating units in Daryaganj
50-70 is the estimated number of illegal electro-plating units in the area
Illegal units operating in Daryaganj a safety hazard for residents
Accompanied by the Delhi Police personnel, BSES Yamuna Power Limited’ (BYPL) Enforcement teams raided two Electroplating factories in Central Delhi’s Daryaganj area, unearthing power theft of around 70 KW. Applying ingenuity, the factories were not only stealing electricity by hooking from the nearby BSES LV Mains, but were also drawing electricity from two separate transformers. For ‘uninterrupted’ power supply, they were stealing power using heavy duty 2-core fire resistant cables.
According to the provisions of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003, a cumulative penalty of Rs 25 lakh has been imposed on the accused. If the penalty amount is not paid within a stipulated timeframe, two-separate cases will be filed in the Special Court of Electricity.
A BSES spokesperson said, "The illegal units were being operated from a four storied building in the congested by-lanes of Daryaganj. This required special planning and coordination. The BYPL Enforcement team together with the Delhi police planned the logistics for an effective raid. The Delhi Police has been very cooperative in joining forces with the BSES enforcement teams and their presence has helped thwart attacks on the teams by miscreants on several occasions".
This rampant theft of power by these illegal electro-plating factories, besides being responsible for recurring and frequent cases of short-circuiting and sparking in the area, are also causing frequent trippings. This is making it difficult for the discom to provide stable and quality power supply in the area, despite having the state-of-the-art network in the area.
According to estimates there are around 50-70 illegal electro-paling factories operating in Daryaganj alone. In the coming days, BYPL plans to launch a large scale campaign against these factories.
In the last five years, BYPL enforcement teams have booked over 5000 cases of power theft in Daryaganj and booking a power theft load of over 31000 KW – equivalent to 31 MW. Since July 2002, BSES discoms have booked over 1.7 lakh people for power theft and unearthed a power theft load of over 11 lakh KW.
BRPL and BYPL, Delhi’s premier power distribution companies are committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all their consumers.