SRINAGAR: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has authorised designated power officials in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to disconnect electricity supply when theft is detected, tightening enforcement under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Under the order, officers serving 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) can disconnect supply within their respective jurisdictions under Section 135(1A) of the Act.
The power can be exercised when electricity theft, as defined under Section 135(1), is detected and must comply with the provisions of the Electricity Act and the applicable Electricity Supply Code.
The Commission has also clarified that the authority granted to Sub-division In-charges to disconnect supply is independent of the separate authorisation required under Section 135(2). Officers of a higher rank may also exercise the disconnection power within their respective jurisdictions.
However, JERC has maintained a distinction between disconnection and enforcement powers involving entry, inspection, search and seizure. While designated officers can disconnect supply under Section 135(1A), powers under Section 135(2) can be exercised only by officers separately authorised by the competent authority and subject to statutory safeguards.
The order follows a September 11 request from JPDCL seeking authorisation for Sub-division In-charge Officers to disconnect electricity supply in cases of theft.
JERC has directed JPDCL, KPDCL and LPDD to publish and maintain updated lists of authorised officers at their offices and on their respective websites. The lists must include the officers’ names, designations, ranks, territorial jurisdictions and the statutory provisions under which they are authorised.
The utilities have also been directed to ensure that identity cards issued to officials clearly specify the scope of their authority.
All action against electricity theft will have to comply with the JERC Electricity Supply Code Regulations, 2023, including provisions relating to inspection, evidence, assessment and consumer safeguards.
The utilities will further be required to maintain records of disconnections, police complaints and restoration of electricity supply for production before the Commission whenever required.
