Bhubaneswar: In response to increasing disruptions caused by anti-social elements during electricity dehooking operations, the Odisha Energy Department has decided to provide police protection to Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM) personnel engaged in curbing power theft.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police (DGP), Energy Department Principal Secretary Vishal Dev has requested for instructing district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to assess local conditions and ensure security for DISCOM enforcement squads.
The department emphasized that unauthorized electricity use and power theft significantly contribute to the rising Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses of DISCOMs. Ensuring a secure working environment for enforcement teams will help reduce these losses and improve operational efficiency.
The letter also highlighted growing incidents of local miscreants obstructing DISCOM personnel, often escalating into law and order issues. Such confrontations not only disrupt anti-theft operations but also put the lives of officials at risk.
Notably, a similar request was made by the Energy Department in January this year. The Principal Secretary has expressed hope for swift action to address these concerns and facilitate uninterrupted enforcement activities.
