Report of Indian Institute of Public Administration ... - Ministry of Power

(c) Captive Plants and Open Access
Synopsis of State Reports (Vol.-IV)
Study on `Impact of Restructuring of SEBs’
As mentioned earlier, minimum charges for captive plants, Open Access
consumers and industrial units connected to the system of DISCOMs
should be substantially reduced, if not waived off because they are
connected to the DISCOMs’ system only for emergencies. Otherwise, the
captive plants have to shut down every month, in order to consume power
equal to the minimum charges. It would be in the national interest if the
CPPs are encouraged to run round the clock.
(d) Control of Electricity Theft
Theft control is one of the biggest challenges faced by the power sectors.
DISCOMs alone cannot handle this problem unless there is active support
from the district administration. The Government should issue special
directives to the Collectors and SPs to actively involve themselves in
organising raids to detect cases of electricity theft. Substantial rewards
could be provided to the district administration for outstanding work on
this front.
(e) Outsourcing
There are a large number of vacancies in the power companies.
Spontaneously the demand comes for filling up the vacancies. The time
has come when more and more activities should be outsourced so that
there is lesser permanent liability on the power companies. This would
lead to greater efficiency since staff engaged on contractual basis cannot
afford to be indifferent in performance.
76