CEB gets tough with power pirates

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has cautioned the public, especially shanty dwellers and those living in slums in the country to refrain from tapping electricity or face permanent power disconnections.

This was decided on by the CEB following the arrest of over 400 power pirates from all parts of the country by the CEB Special Investigation Unit during the last month.

It has been reported that many people living on the coastal belts are in the habit of tapping power illegally by using hooks to the main lines. Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that at a time when the Government is providing electricity to consumers at reduced prices, it is not ethical to tap power in an illegal manner.

He said stern action will be taken against power pirates in the future by disconnecting their power supply irrespective of their status in society.

The Minister said around 420 cases of illegal electricity tapping and metre rigging cases had been reported from different parts of the coutnry in May and added that special investigating units have been set up in Kilinochchi and Hambantota to crackdown on power piracy.

"Last month we earned Rs. 21.9 million in raids. There were 176 cases of electricity metre tampering while 244 cases were reported of tapping electricity by using illegal power lines". Of the Rs. 21.9 million, Rs. 3.7 million was from court fines, while Rs. 18.1 million was recovered as damage caused to the CEB.