Odisha Discoms Carry On Snapping Power To Bill Defaulters

Berhampur/Balasore: The power disconnection drive against defaulters by Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (SOUTHCO) and North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (NESCO) resumed for the second day on Monday.

SOUTHCO’s Assistant Executive Engineer, Varun Choudhury, said electricity connection was disconnected at the houses of people who have not cleared their pending bills in Berhampur.

“As many as 22 teams of SOUTHCO staff have disconnected power supply to 250 defaulters and collected a fine of nearly Rs 20 lakh. However, the consumers who have paid at least 60 per cent of their due bills, were excluded. The drive will continue till February 29,” Choudhury added.

On the other hand, NESCO has engaged 30 squads in Balasore town for the drive. According to NESCO sources, some consumers with hefty arrears have paid some amount and assured the discom of paying the remaining sum in installments.

SOUTHCO carries out the business of distribution and retail supply of electricity in the eight districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri with an aggregate population of 94.38 lakh over an area of supply of 48,751 sq km.

The licensed area of operation of NESCO is 28,000 sq km and covers five revenue districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Jajpur.