Ludhiana: Amidst the increasing electricity demand in Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has increased its strictness on consumers consuming electricity above the approved load. Now, if a consumer consumes 10% more electricity than the approved load, they will be sent a notice within 7 days.
FIR will also be filed for the third offense
If a consumer continues to use more electricity after receiving a notice, a fine will be imposed. Additional charges will be levied for a second time if the load exceeds the approved load. In case of a third violation, PSPCL may file a case of UUE (Unauthorized Use of Electricity) and file an FIR.
Officers will also be held accountable
PSPCL has given clear instructions to its officials to take timely action against those using excess load. If any officer fails to issue a notice within 7 days, action will be taken against them. The record assistant will check every bill and immediately inform senior officials if an excessive load is detected.
Why were new rules introduced?
According to PSPCL, excessive load usage without permission was increasing pressure on transformers, causing voltage fluctuations, and causing losses worth crores of rupees to the department. Many large industries and showrooms were taking advantage of cheap electricity by using low-load connections.
What has changed from the old rules?
The new rules have fixed the time limit for sending notices. Previously, the time limit was 15 days; now, a full billing cycle will be given for corrections. The previous six-month limit has also been removed. Now, once a notice is received, a case can be filed directly if a mistake is repeated in the future.