Honest consumers can empower UP

LUCKNOW: The power consumers may be able to get their sanctioned load enhanced just at the click of a mouse. The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) is contemplating the introduction of online system of application for meter load enhancement whereby consumers would be able to file their requirement on the corporations website. The applications would be automatically taken up by UPPCL engineers who will get the applicants meter load upgraded.
The move comes around the time when UPPCL brings a self load declaration scheme starting Wednesday. The scheme will continue at least for a month.
Chairman, UPPCL, Navneet Sehgal said while the scheme would help people save their time and energy, the power authorities will have to take up the applications and meet the requirement of applicants.
The requisite forms and other attached documents would be available on the UPPCL website from where they can be downloaded. People can also approach the sub-stations concerned for load enhancement, Sehgal told TOI on Tuesday.
This is the fourth time in past two years when the corporation has brought the scheme. However, it could not get desired results with the total sanctioned load getting enhanced in the range of around 3000 MW only.
UPPCL records show that the total existing sanctioned load across the state is around 30,000 MW. While the corporation is yet to decipher the actual load, sources claim it to be in the range of at least 40,000 MW or more. This way, there is scope for around 25 to 30 per cent increase in the existing sanctioned load.
This in turn has effect on the availability of power to consumers. The capacity of transformers and distribution lines is decided on the basis of sanctioned load, Sehgal said.
No wonder, UPPCL continues to grapple with under-declaration of load by consumers. For example, a consumer is required to have at least a 5 KW meter if there is an air conditioner. Less than that mounts to power theft, Sehgal said.
The self load declaration scheme also comes at a time when the corporation plans privatization of the transmission as well as the distribution system. The state government is also in the process of setting up more power plants. And this would require a certain degree of power infrastructure at the distribution level which, as a matter of fact, does not exist at present.