Jammu, May 30: Amid increasing Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses and failure to implement power reforms , the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) in a last ditch effort has decided to install High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) to contain power and revenue pilferage .
 Sources said that the department was mulling to approach Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the project. They said that after being pulled up by the Centre many a times for ineffective power reforms, the PDD has decided to introduce HVDS - an effective system to reduce technical losses and power theft.
 “Complying with the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) recommendations the department has decided to switch over to this new and  modern system, the detailed report for which is being prepared under Re-Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (RE-APDRP)” highly places sources in the department said. .
 Sources informed that after converting to HVDS from the existing power distribution network, illegal hooking, common way of committing theft of power in the state, can be completely checked.
 Sources said that the need for introduction of the new system was felt in the backdrop of total failure of the department to meet the revenue targets.   
 “Project is being formulated and the new distribution systems will be introduced and integrated with meters”, said an official. He further said that some fresh measures are being initiated to take strict action against the people involved in power thefts.
 “We have already constituted special teams to conduct surprise inspections and take action like imposition of fines and snapping of the power lines”, he added.
 Pertinently in its report 2010-11, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has also castigated the State Government for failing to implement HVDS to contain increasing T&D losses.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 IST