Special inspection teams formed to investigate illegal power usage
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Phyo/ Yoon (NP News) - March 9
Special inspection teams are being formed to investigate and identify illegal power consumption, according to a source close to the Ministry of Electric Power.
Special inspection teams are being formed in Yangon, Mandalay, and other regions and states to investigate and identify illegal power consumption. Reducing power losses in the system is expected to lower power costs and increase national revenues.
"Yes, illegal power consumption is being uncovered in various regions and states, including Yangon," a source close to the Ministry of Electric Power confirmed to the Statesman Journal.
Illegal power consumption in the country has been increasing annually, with some electricity users reportedly using illegal methods to tamper with meters and steal electricity. Additionally, those who do not have access to electricity are also stealing electricity directly.
In addition, there are suggestions that some factories and restaurants, including KTVs and bars, should review their units as meter theft is common.
These incidents have occurred under successive governments, and in the past two years, two famous hot pot restaurants and two steel smelting factories were arrested for meter theft.
The number of units lost due to meter theft is increasing every year and has recently become worse, so it has not been controlled yet.
The government is subsidizing approximately 60 kyats per unit of electricity consumed by the public. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the government incurred a loss of about 1000 billion kyats while producing, distributing, and selling electricity to the public, according to information from the ministry.