Thieves target transformers, 9,000 gone in two years
Power corporation incurs Rs 36-crore loss, approaches CM, state DGP
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 30
As many as 9,000 low-capacity power transformers, installed mainly in agricultural fields, were stolen in the past two years from various parts of the state. The estimated cost of these transformers is about Rs 36 crore.

Concerned over the rising theft cases, PSPCL CMD KD Chaudhri recently met Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and DGP Sumedh Singh Saini to apprise them of the matter.

Sources said since transformers above 25 KVA were heavy, thieves were mainly stealing low-capacity transformers (6.3 KVA, 10 KVA, 16 KVA).

Power corporation officials said thieves were targeting transformers since these contain a huge copper content. They made a quick buck by selling these to junk dealers, the officials said.

Sources said 1 kg of copper was sold for Rs 300. The weight of low-capacity transformers varies from 115 kg to 189 kg with each costing between Rs 24,460 and Rs 33,555.

"There is no specific input on whether any particular gang is involved in the theft of transformers. The small size of these transformers makes the job of thieves easier. We have taken serious note of the matter. The Chief Minister and the DGP have assured us that immediate steps would be taken to check the meance," said Chaudhri.

The PSPCL authorities confirmed that the maximum number of transformers were stolen from Kapurthala, Sangrur and Tarn Taran.

The officials said an increased vigil by the police would help bring down the number of thefts. They said there were a considerable number of old transformers which had not been welded to the iron frames fixed on concrete poles. "Once the paddy season is over, all such transformers would also be welded with iron frames to prevent theft cases," they add.

matter of concern
Since transformers above 25 KVA are heavy, thieves are mainly stealing low-capacity transformers
The equipment has a huge copper content and thieves make a quick buck by selling these to junk dealers
There are a considerable number of old transformers which have not been welded to the iron frames fixed on concrete poles

official word

“There is no specific input on whether any particular gang is involved. We have taken serious note of the matter. The Chief Minister and the DGP have assured us that immediate steps would be taken to check the meance”

— KD Chaudhri, CMD, PSPCL