(a) : whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Power theft costs Rupees 20,000 crores a year` appearing in Business Standard dated March 17, 2000;
(b) : if so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c) : the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )
(a) to (c) : The losses being incurred by various State
Governments on account of power theft are not being separately
assessed. However, the experience of States undergoing reforms
indicates that the losses on account of T&D, theft and pilferage
are to the extent of 45% of the power generated. A rough
estimate indicates that out of the total energy generated, only
55% is billed (Rs.62,000 crores) of the amount not billed, 20%
loss is sustained due to theft and pilferage (Rs.22,500 crores).
Transmission and distribution losses occur on
account of energy dissipation in the conductors and the equipment
used for transformation, transmission and distribution of power.
The technical losses have to be reduced to optimum levels by
better design of lines, relocation of distribution transformers,
installation of capacitors and use of higher efficiency
transformers. Besides technical losses, the commercial and
unaccounted losses caused by theft of energy, defective meters,
energy audit at all levels and hundred per cent metering of all
consumers.
The Central Electricity Authority has issued
comprehensive guidelines for reduction of T&D losses to the State
Electricity Boards/Electricity Departments. The following
measures have been suggested :-
- Upgradation of operating voltages.
- Reduction of length of LT lines.
- Location of transformers near load centres.
- Adoption of low capacity transformers near consumer
premises.
- Installation of shunt capacitors; and
- Improvement in construction and operation techniques.
In the Power Ministers` Conference held on 26.2.2000, it has been
resolved to undertake the following measures in order to achieve
a reduction in the transmission and distribution losses:-
i. Energy audit at all levels;
ii. Time bound programme of 100% metering of all
consumers by December, 2001;
iii. Reduction and finally, elimination of power theft
within a specified time frame.
iv. Strengthening/upgradation of sub-transmission and
distribution system by taking sub-station as a
limit on a priority basis.
The Rural Electrification Corporation is providing
financial assistance to the State Electricity Boards for
undertaking system improvement project in rural areas. The Power
Finance Corporation is also providing funds to the State
Electricity Boards for System Improvement Projects in urban areas
and for installation of capacitors and meters.
Additional funding assistance through a combination of
grant and loan for strengthening and upgradation of the
projects will also be available from the current financial year
under the Accelerated Power Development Programme (APDP). The
modalities for implementing the APDP Schemes are being finalised
by the Planning Commission in consultation with the Ministry of
Power.