(i) Direct tapping by non consumers

Ans: Stopping Theft by Direct Tapping

• Setting up of Vigilance Squads (where these have not been set up).

• Carrying out surprise inspections by Vigilance Squads.

• Periodic inspection of LT feeders by the special Vigilance Squads for tracing unauthorized consumers and direct tapping from line.

• Prosecution proceedings against persons indulging in theft of energy to secure convictions in the Court. The Electricity Act, 2003 is emphatic on incriminating material. Therefore, the materials, wire and equipment may be preserved and provided at the time of court
hearing to prove the crime.

• Imposition of heavy fines on consumers found committing theft of energy.

• Starting a drive for regularizing unauthorized connections and

simplifying procedure for release of new connections to consumers. Use of Aerial Bunched Cables/ Partial Insulated LT Lines Use of modern and effective equipment, like Aerial Bunched Cables/partial insulated LT lines in theft prone areas along with HVDS can prove to be an effective deterrent to theft. Since the cables are insulated, it becomes very difficult to tap energy. The AB cables can be erected on the same poles as are used for street lighting and telecommunication circuits. This would save considerable investment and also avoid associated problems of communication.Public Relation and Awareness Campaigns by the Utility

Some change in the value system of the society is also needed. The opinion makers and social leaders should be involved to effectively tackle this massive social evil

• Some amount of public relations work by the utility is needed to tackle this menace. It is to be widely publicized that theft will increase the tariff for the genuine consumers, result in poor voltages, burnt motors, failed transformers and dried crops. The scarce resources of the State,meant for social welfare, are diverted to feed these power thieves.

 (ii)