Consumption up, illicit power tapping also up in NWP

Ariyapala Wansathilake Kurunegala central special correspondent

The number of incidents of illegal tapping of electricity has risen with the increase in electricity consumption in the North Western Province.

Businessmen and low income families are among those involved in illicit power tapping. Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) sources told the Daily News that action had been taken against 42 persons during this year for tapping electricity illegally.

He said during the past three months, incidents of illegal tapping was reported from Mawathagama Nikaweratiya Dodangaslanda and Polgahawela.

The CEB said for a month, 10 to 15 complaints are received by the investigation unit functioning under the supervision of the chief engineer. According to the Electricity Board, several persons have died on the spot while tapping electricity illegally.