Keonjhar: Even as low voltage and frequent power cuts continue in this mineral-rich district much to the chagrin of people, the annual waste of electricity for various factors like transmission loss and pilferage was recorded at a whopping 77 million units in the district, a report said.
Almost all district headquarters have power grid substations, with the exception of the Keonjhar district headquarters. The power is supplied from Palaspanga grid, situated 20 kms away. Power transmission from such a long distance often creates supply disruptions.
Besides, various parts of Bansapal, Telkoi and Patana blocks get power supply from the Palaspanga grid.
Locals pointed out that if there is a technical nag at any pole or grid, it takes hours for technicians to fix the problem while the people have to face a lot of troubles due to power outage for hours.
Under Keonjhar electricity division, there are three circles namely Keonjhar, Joda and Anandapur. In 2017-18, the district was supplied 358 million electricity units while the billing is done for 281 million units. About Rs 119 crore was collected from consumers during the year.
However, there is no clue about what happens to a whopping portion of the remaining electricity. Experts say there are many reasons for such a huge extent of electricity wastage. The loss may be due to pilferage and transmission loss. While lakhs of consumer have been deprived of electricity, 77 million unit loss has been a cause of concern for consumers and the power distribution company.
Keonjhar division is supplied 96 million units while only 87 million units are billed. Joda division is supplied 118 million units while billing is done for 102 million units.
Similarly, Anandapur division is supplied 144 million units while bill is collected for 91 million units.
Many seek to know why there is no trace of 77 million units. They have expressed doubt that such a huge amount of electricity could be used in different ways.
Lawyer Ashok Das pointed out that many mining firms, traders, industrialists, government and private agencies use electricity but they do not pay the bills properly. “By paying bribe to field level staff of the distribution company NESCO, they pilfer electricity and prevent disconnection of power supply for months and years together,” he added.
Lawyer Jatindra Sahu said consumers clear their bills, but they fail to get right services while low voltage and frequent powers have made their lives miserable.
Superintending engineer of NESCO (Keonjhar circle) Shyam Sundar Nayak said there is loss of electricity for various reasons. “If a grid is set up in Keonjhar circle, the problem could be sorted out,” he said. As for the allegations of pilferage, Nayak said if there is any complaint in this regard, action will be taken.