Help curb electricity piracy

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The public can report all types of electricity thefts by dialing 1987. The Power and Energy Ministry requests the public to assist to capture electricity thieves and save public funds, a Power and Energy Ministry spokesman said. According to the spokesman, during the last six months the flying squad of the Ceylon Electricity Board detected over 5,623 persons who obtained electricity illegally by altering electricity meters and using other methods.

Fines worth Rs 59 million was imposed and the board lost Rs 48 million. Industrialists, traders and persons in commercial ventures are among electricity thieves.

Annually, the Electricity Board lose a significant amount of income due electricity theft. The Ministry will take legal action against all persons who steal electricity, he said. Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has issued instructions to accelerate raids to capture persons who obtain electricity illegally.