Distcoms to offer free insurance of Rs 1 lakh
In a desperate move to curb power theft, power distribution companies have come up with innovative schemes aimed at theft-heavy areas.
In a desperate move to curb power theft bleeding its coffers, power distribution companies (distcoms) have come up with innovative schemes aimed at theft-heavy areas.
North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL), supplying electricity to North and Northwest parts, will now give free insurance cover worth Rs 1 lakh to every new, metered connection at slum clusters. Other distcoms, on the other hand, have decided to increase its amnesty schemes aimed to let power thieves go after recovering partial dues.
There are over 100 slum clusters in NDPL area with a consumer base of 30,000. The distcom called it a “goodwill gesture”. Consumers aged between 18 and 54 years can apply. However, the deal is that if any customer is ever caught tampering the meter or stealing power, the insurance policy will stand lapsed.
“We hope that this small step might bring awareness amongst the slum cluster residents about insurance and the need to protect their families against unforeseen eventualities,” said Sunil Wadhwa, CEO of NDPL.
Slum clusters have been a problem area for distcoms in curbing power theft. Distcoms have earlier carried out drug de-addiction camps and other health workshops in the past.
On the other hand, those who have been stealing power and keeping tampered meters in south, central and east Delhi areas will get another month to settle their cases with BSES by paying partial charges as part of the ongoing amnesty scheme. “This is a chance for people to get rid of all liabilities arising out of stealing electricity,” said a BSES official.