The Orissa government is seriously contemplating to set up special police stations to tackle power theft in the state.
This was disclosed by state energy minister SN Patro while addressing the general body meeting of the Cesco Engineers' Service Association here recently.
He said, the government intends to introduce an anti-theft law to check power pilferage for which a bill will be tabled in the next session of the assembly.
Besides, the newly enacted Electricity Act, 2003 also envisages sweeping changes in the management of the sector, he added.
To emphasize the amount of loss incurred by the distribution firm Cesco, he said, for every rupee spent by the company, the return is only 14 paise.
The minister pointed out that power theft and non-payment of electricity bill in time were the major areas of concern, which have threatened the very existence of the company.
He exhorted the Cesco employees to snap power supply to defaulters irrespective of their status.
Stating that power sector in Orissa is passing through a very critical situation, Patro said, it can only be retrieved by sincere efforts of all the stakeholders.
