The government is planning to fine electricity distributors from April 2019 for avoidable power cuts and to make it mandatory for the companies to install prepaid or smart meters to prevent electricity theft. The move comes as a part of the government's Rs 16,000 crore Saubhagya scheme launched in September to provide uninterrupted electricity for all by the end of 2018.
"Our vision is that we want 24x7 power for all by March 2019. Now it will be a legal obligation. After March 2019, if there is any load shedding without any reason, there will be penalties except in case of technical issues or act of God," power minister R K Singh said on Thursday, after a conference of 'Ministers for Power and New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories'. The fines would be imposed in the financial year starting April 1, 2019, he said, without giving further details.
Soon, 24x7 electricity for all, distributors to be fined for power cut - Times of India
"Our vision is that we want 24x7 power for all by March 2019. Now it will be a legal obligation. After March 2019, if there is any load shedding without any reason, there will be penalties except in case of technical issues or act of God," power minister R K Singh said on Thursday, after a conference of 'Ministers for Power and New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories'. The fines would be imposed in the financial year starting April 1, 2019, he said, without giving further details.
Soon, 24x7 electricity for all, distributors to be fined for power cut - Times of India