Last extension for VDS till June 25

Officials of the Electricity Department have said though the scheme has been extended for the second time now, no further time would be given to consumers for regularisation of their unauthorised power loads under the scheme. quot;This is the final extension, as the scheme cannot go on like this.quot;

According to sources, the Electricity Department has so far received over 25,000 applications under the scheme, which shows the success of the scheme. A similar scheme launched by the department in 1997 saw a poor response as only about 600 consumers had applied under the scheme for regularisation of their power loads then.

After the closure of the scheme, load surcharge at the rate of Rs 750 per kw for single-phase connection and Rs 1,500 per kw for three-phase connection would be levied w.e.f. June 26. Besides, penal action of even disconnection of electricity supply would be imposed after the closure of the scheme where such unauthorised load is detected by the checking staff of the department.

Loads for air conditioners, each of 2.5 kw, would also be regularised under VDS by making a nominal payment of Rs 180 as security and about Rs 200 as service connection charges, whereas load surcharge of Rs 4,500 for this unauthorised load would be charged after the end of the VDS scheme.