Thursday, April 23, 2009

Power cuts, high temperature throw life out of gear

The Statesman, April 23, 2009
Statesman News Service

BHAWANIPATNA, April 22: Scorching temperature, unprecedented heat wave and frequent power cuts, have disrupted normal life in Kalahandi district in the last few days.
The power situation has been even grimmer after the election with more than 15-20 times disruption almost on a daily basis, locals alleged.
Yesterday irate locals gheroed the office of the executive engineer of Wesco, the distribution company, here alleging negligence in maintenance and irregularities by the utility. It is also alleged that there is no maintenance done by the officials and that thousands of houses are getting illegal power by hooking whereas genuine consumers are being harassed. The staff usually do not care to resume power supply after lot of complaints, they added.
Recently basing on a representation of All India Radio, Bhawanipatna which is a major consumer paying around Rs 4.50 lakhs per month on electricity charges, the secretary of Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has expressed resentment over the service provided by Wesco, sources said.
He has directed the concerned officials to furnish compliance report on the alleged failure in power supply and low voltage with special reference to AIR, Bhawanipatna. It has also asked the Wesco for improvement of power supply in the district with special care for the broadcaster.
The power regulator has asked Wesco to submit a report within a fortnight.
Stringent action will be initiated against the officials accused of not providing proper service, the regulator has maintained while acknowledging similar allegations by district collectorate and district bar association, sources said.

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