GEB plans draw mixed responses

VADODARA, Nov 12: The Gujarat Electricity Board's decision to intensify raids on high tension industries pilfering power and issue monthly b...

VADODARA, Nov 12: The Gujarat Electricity Board8217;s decision to intensify raids on high tension industries pilfering power and issue monthly bills to domestic consumers has evoked mixed responses from a cross-section of the society, consumer fora, industries and industrial organisations.

Express Newsline talked to several persons to learn their views. Excerpts:
Indubhai Shelat, honorary secretary of consumer forum Jagrut Grahak: 8220;For the past 15 years, the Jagrut Grahak has been demanding that electricity bills be given monthly. Although it will be problematic for the consumer to visit the GEB offices every month, on an average he8217;ll save Rs 20 per month. As the taxes and surcharge are calculated on the basis of the units utilised, a bi-monthly bill produces a higher figure.

8220;While the Board is concentrating on high tension industries for revenue recovery, severe action needs to be initiated against habitual power thieves. The pilferers will learn a lesson and stern action will cause the cases to come down by 20 per cent.8221;

Ranjan Munshi, secretary-general, Federation of Gujarat Industries: 8220;First, the GEB should simplify billing details, which are too complicated for the common man to understand. But more importantly, the Board should provide correct bills. It often has to give refunds as it levies higher charges. Also it will require more meter readers.

8220;It is a good thing that it is intensifying its drive against HT industries that steal power. But first it should sort out problems about improper functioning of meters. The GEB should hold a dialogue with the industries to redress the latter8217;s grievances.8221;

Ajitsinh Gaekwad, joint secretary of the Telephone Subscribers Association: 8220;The Board should definitely take action against industries stealing power. Their connections should be snapped with immediate effect. It should also initiate action against its own staffers who are hand-in-glove with the industries in pilfering power.

8220;So far as issuing monthly bills is concerned, consumers will have to waste a lot of their time to pay the bills.8221;

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Jal Patel, leading industrialist: 8220;Initiating action against industries stealing power is a step in the right direction. However, I feel that power thefts are more in low tension industries and in the agricultural sector.

8220;Giving monthly bills to consumers will help in increasing cash flow. However, consumers will have to take the trouble of paying bills every month.8221;

Bhupendra Patel, president, Central Gujarat Chamber of Commerce: 8220;Action against high tension which pilfer power is certainly a welcome move. However, the drive will not be successful unless action is initiated against Board officers who help the industries steal power. Without their support it is difficult to do so.

8220;Billing domestic consumers every month will increase the GEB8217;s cash flow8221;.