The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) is preparing to install more smart meters in Haldwani’s Banbhulpura after inspections detected widespread electricity theft in the area. The utility is also seeking a written explanation for the reason behind a disconnection before reconnecting the power supply.

According to departmental figures, 30% of smart meters are still pending in Banbhulpura. Following directions from the UPCL chief engineer, teams will soon return to the area for another installation campaign aimed at improving the electricity distribution system.

Electricity theft inspections and FIRs

UPCL recently inspected feeders linked to the Kaladhungi Road and 13 Bigha power stations. The checks covered the Gandhinagar, Station Road, Azadnagar and Nai Basti feeders.

The utility later conducted surprise morning inspections at shops and homes. Electricity theft was detected during these checks, and 120 people were identified for the registration of FIRs.

The action has been followed by a requirement that consumers provide a written reason for the earlier disconnection before the electricity connection is restored. The available information does not specify how many connections have been reconnected or how many written explanations have been submitted.

UPCL Executive Engineer Pradeep Kumar said a smart-meter campaign had already been conducted in Banbhulpura. He said teams would soon visit the area again to install the remaining meters and improve distribution arrangements.

Smart meters are therefore expected to remain a key part of UPCL’s next phase of work in the locality. The immediate process involves completing pending installations while the utility continues to handle cases linked to the electricity-theft inspections.

Feeder shutdowns affect thousands

Separately, scheduled power cuts in Haldwani caused inconvenience for traders and customers during the festival period. Under the town division’s shutdown schedule, electricity supply was stopped on the Rampur Road, Nainital Road, Station Road and Gandhinagar feeders.

Power remained unavailable from 9:00 to afternoon 2:00 on Thursday for work at the Kaladhungi Road power station and line lopping and pruning. The shutdown affected 35 to 40 thousand people, with greater difficulties reported in areas where residents did not have inverters or other backup arrangements.

In some locations, the supply was cut from 10:00 to afternoon 4:00. This lasted longer than the scheduled shutdown period, adding to the disruption for residents, shops and customers in the affected areas.

Conclusion

UPCL’s next steps in Banbhulpura are to complete the remaining smart-meter installations and manage reconnection requests linked to electricity-theft checks, while recent feeder shutdowns have highlighted the impact of prolonged outages on Haldwani residents and businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is UPCL installing more smart meters in Banbhulpura?

UPCL is preparing another installation drive to complete pending installations and improve the electricity distribution system.

Q. How many smart meters are still pending in Banbhulpura?

Departmental figures state that 30% of smart meters remain to be installed.

Q. What must consumers provide before reconnection?

Consumers are being asked to provide a written reason for the earlier disconnection before the electricity connection is restored.

Q. How many people were identified after the electricity-theft checks?

UPCL identified 120 people for the registration of FIRs.

Q. Which feeders faced scheduled shutdowns?

The Rampur Road, Nainital Road, Station Road and Gandhinagar feeders faced shutdowns under the town division schedule.

Q. How many people were affected by the shutdown linked to Kaladhungi Road power station work?

The shutdown affected 35 to 40 thousand people.