The Hindu : New Delhi News : BSES changes distribution system

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 19, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

BSES changes distribution system

Staff Reporter

In an attempt to weed out single point delivery contractors in Delhi

Meter installation work in 15 areas at a cost of Rs. 4.43 crore
Will enable BSES to get 6,000 more customers in the billing net

NEW DELHI: Following directions issued by the Delhi Government’s Power Department to weed out single point delivery (SPD) contractors, power distribution company BSES has provided electricity connections in 15 areas that were being supplied electricity through the SPD system.

The company claims it has carried out the meter installation work in 15 areas in West Delhi at a cost of Rs.4.43 crore.

“It is a major step towards providing stable electricity to customers in the previously SPD run areas. The electrification will enable BSES to get around 6,000 additional customers in the billing net,” a BSES official said.

“BSES has also started holding camps in these areas to acquire new customers. Electrification work in about 36 previously run and recently acquired SPD colonies is going on in full swing. The work is expected to be completed over the next few weeks.”

The official said since the time of taking over, the company has “systematically been easing out SPD contractors. “ From more than 550 at the time of privatisation, the number of SPD contractors today is a mere six. The cases pertaining to the remaining six SPD areas, which are in South Delhi, are under litigation and the matter is pending in the court,” the official said.

The electrification process has been conducted using insulated LTAB cables, in these 15 colonies, which the discom claims will help substantially curb power theft.

This past June, the Power Department had asked power distribution companies to install meters in areas that are currently being supplied electricity through the SPD system.

Customers living in unauthorised areas or villages where the SPD contractors operate complain of being forced to pay more for electricity, even as the services rendered are poor. Taking cognisance of the problems being faced by these consumers, the Power Department has set a deadline for the discoms. They have been given time till the end of this financial year to install meters in all the households.

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