Srinagar, Oct 2: In a bid to tighten the noose against the power theft in Jammu and Kashmir, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for J&K & Ladakh has authorised designated officers to take action, including disconnection of electricity supply, in cases involving detection of electricity theft.
The authorisation has been issued under the first provision to Section 135(1A) of the Electricity Act, 2003 following a request from the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL).
Under the order, the officers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD), who are posted as In-Charge of respective Electric Distribution Sub-Divisions within their territorial jurisdiction have been authorised to take appropriate action upon detection of electricity theft.
The authorisation also covers officers holding a valid authorisation under Section 135(2) of the Electricity Act from the competent Government authority, within the territorial jurisdiction covered by such authorisation.
The Commission clarified that the authorisation for disconnection under Section 135(1A) is independent of authorisation under Section 135(2). It said officers of the respective licensee or supplier holding a rank higher than that of the authorised officer may also exercise the power of disconnection.
However, the order specifically states that powers relating to entry, inspection, search and seizure under Section 135(2) shall be exercised only by officers separately authorised for that purpose. Such officers are required to follow safeguards prescribed under Section 135(3) and the applicable Supply Code.
The utilities have been directed to maintain an updated list of authorised officers at their offices and on their websites, indicating their names, designations, territorial jurisdiction and the nature of authorisation.
The order further requires compliance with the JERC Electricity Supply Code, 2023, including provisions relating to inspection and restoration of supply.
Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL and the Chief Engineer, LPDD have been directed to circulate the order and submit compliance reports to the Commission within 15 days of receiving it.
