Srinagar, Oct 1 (KNS): In a move aimed at tightening enforcement against electricity theft, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has authorised designated officers of power utilities in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to disconnect electricity supply upon detection of theft.

The Commission, in an order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service (KNS), authorised officers posted as in-charge of Electric Distribution Sub-divisions of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) to take action under Section 135(1A) of the Electricity Act, 2003.

The order gives these officers statutory authority to disconnect supply within their respective territorial jurisdictions when theft of electricity, as defined under Section 135(1), is detected. The action will, however, have to conform to provisions of the Electricity Act and the applicable Electricity Supply Code.

The regulatory intervention follows a September 11 communication from JPDCL seeking authorisation for Sub-division In-charge Officers to disconnect supply in cases involving electricity theft.

JERC has also authorised officers holding a valid authorisation from the competent government authority under Section 135(2) to exercise the power within the territorial jurisdiction covered by such authorisation.

Significantly, the Commission clarified that the authority granted to Sub-division In-charges to disconnect supply is independent of authorisation under Section 135(2).Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Officers of a rank higher than those specifically authorised may also exercise the power of disconnection within their jurisdiction.

The Commission has, however, drawn a clear distinction between the power to disconnect electricity and powers relating to entry, inspection, search and seizure.

While the order empowers designated officers to disconnect supply under Section 135(1A), powers of entry, inspection, search and seizure under Section 135(2) can be exercised only by officers separately authorised under that provision and subject to statutory safeguards.

JERC has also directed each utility to publish and maintain an updated list of authorised officers at its offices and on its website. The list must specify their names, designations, ranks, territorial jurisdictions and the statutory provisions under which they have been authorised.

The utilities have also been directed to ensure that identity cards of officials accurately specify the scope of their authority.

All action against electricity theft will have to comply with the JERC Electricity Supply Code Regulations, 2023, including requirements governing inspection, evidence, assessment and consumer safeguards.

The utilities will also have to maintain records of disconnections, police complaints and restoration of supply so these can be produced before the Commission whenever required.(KNS)