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According to a senior TNEB official, in December there was a proposal to ask political parties to make alternate arrangements for light and sound at meetings, rather than tap TNEB power. But with the 15th Lok Sabha elections round the corner, political parties are not really concerned.

"Political parties have started conducting meetings in different parts of the city. For providing light and sound facilities, they steal power from TNEB transformers, pillar boxes, overhead cables and even from Chennai corporation street lights," said V Gopalakrishnan, Fifth Pillar, a Chennai-based anti-corruption NGO.

Gopalakrishnan said that though TNEB officials were aware of the issues, they did not take action fearing repercussion from political parties. "At the junction of KK Salai in MGR Nagar and Pammal Nalla Street, pilferage happens regularly for public meetings. Illumination using an array of tubelights is done by stealing power from the corporation lamp post," he said.

Pointing out that no action was taken when complaints were made to the TNEB vigilance department, Gopalakrishnan said: "I made a call to enquire where else I could lodge a complaint, but they never gave me a number. No action was taken. Finally, I sent a letter to the chief election officer explaining the pilferage. I have not received any reply to that, too."

According to TNEB sources, at a meeting organised by a major political party, about 100 kW is consumed; on a smaller scale, the consumption would be about 50 kW. "This is because halogen lamps of 1,000-volt capacity are used to illuminate banners and pictures of leaders. Serial lights and sound effects also consume a considerable amount of power," an official said.

Most of the supply is usually sourced without making payments. According to norms specified for temporary electricity supply, the consumer has to approach the TNEB office and seek permission. "A form, which specifies the electricity load requirement and the duration of the meeting, has to be filled in. After calculating the units likely to be consumed, the fee payable is informed to the consumer," said a TNEB source.

Gopalakrishnan said that when he filed an RTI seeking information on the power consumed at political meetings, the TNEB officials had said such meetings were not held with their consent and hence had no details about them. A senior TNEB official said that the board was now cracking down on power theft.