Inspect and monitor energy infrastructure to ensure public safety: UP Energy Minister

Power minister AK Sharma on Saturday instructed power sector officials to quickly address issues such as dilapidated poles, loose power lines and overhead cables hanging dangerously close to homes and take action against defaulters and power thieves.

Underlining the risk of electrical accidents that can lead to human and animal losses as well as fires, Sharma emphasized that these incidents are caused by systemic flaws that need to be corrected urgently. The Minister called on authorities to regularly inspect and closely monitor the condition of the energy infrastructure to ensure public safety.

The Minister was meeting with officials of UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and DISCOM here.

He instructed DISCOMs to take stringent action against power theft by mandating strict action against criminals, especially in areas where theft is organised. He emphasized that consumers should not suffer unnecessary distress and that efforts should focus on targeted areas where there are recurring theft complaints.

In areas where line losses are above 60%, Sharma urged general managers to lead efforts to reduce these losses through vigilance and greater support from departmental teams.

At a review meeting at Shakti Bhawan, Sharma expressed concerns over the department’s struggle to recover revenue losses and meet collection targets. He called for an effective strategy to collect outstanding debts from defaulters.

Sharma noted that the government is making significant efforts to strengthen the energy infrastructure across the state, aiming to provide uninterrupted and high quality energy supply to consumers.

UPPCL chairman Ashish Kumar Goyal emphasized the need to prevent transformer damages and assured that adequate funds have been allocated for maintenance work. He warned that strict measures will be implemented in areas where transformer damage is high.

Goyal also emphasized accountability and directed managing directors of DISCOMs to improve revenue collection in underperforming areas. He said both chief engineers and engineers in charge are expected to take care of their respective areas and achieve better results.