Electricity theft down in Gurugram: DHBVN officials

Gurugram: Even though the revenue was less than the expectations with 6000 crores, Gurugram again proved to be a cash cow for Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). One of the major factor leading the public unit towards profitability is the strict stance taken by the officials to reduce the power theft.

In 2015, 20 per cent of the power was stolen in the city. Subsequently, the officials claimed that the percentage of power stolen has come down to eight per cent, which in the last few months of 2018, has reduced to six per cent.

Despite the reduction, the official estimate more than Rs 400 crores of revenue is still due to certain people stealing power. More than 3000 people in 2018 were fined by the power department for stealing power.

"This year the situation of power is going to be much better than what it has been in previous years. A major reason for this has been our crackdown on power thefts that have yielded results," said a senior official from DHBVN.

Last year, there was consumption of 300 lakh units of power in Gurugram. In the summer months of May to September, the consumption increased to 450 lakh units.

2018 was again a usual year in which DHBVN was not being able to meet with the rising power demand in the city. Large parts often face power cuts ranging from 6-8 hours during peak summer months.

Not only the long duration of power outages but the residents also had to face with low power voltage supply.

The financial prowess of Gurugram in Haryana was again highlighted after an official has reported that Gurugram contributes more than half the share of power revenue in the state of Haryana.

In the Rs 11,500 crore budget, Gurugram contributes more than 50 per cent of the revenue to the state exchequer. In the summer months, the power bills collected are in the tune of Rs 573 crores on a monthly basis while in winter months the total revenue reduced to Rs 300 crores on monthly basis.