Bengaluru: Houses of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families having ration cards will get power connection on priority, said Energy Minister V. Sunil Kumar.

Talking to reporters after reviewing ESComs (Electricity Supply Companies) and its subsidiaries here on Wednesday, he said there is no shortage of power as its generation has increased as per demand. Families having BPL ration cards but living in houses without power supply, will be given power connection immediately, he assured.

“There have been complaints from small and marginal farmers about inordinate delay in giving power connection to the wells dug under Ganga Kalyana  scheme. Wasteful expenditure could be curbed if the schemes were completed within deadline,” the Minister said.

Without mincing words, the Minister said all the Central Government sponsored schemes must be completed in time and there will be no compromise in this regard. “Complaints are in plenty regarding transformer repairs and replacement. Delay in repairs of transformers will cause problems for farmers to water the standing crops. This work must be done on priority,” he added.

He said there must be no delay in submitting proposals to the Union Government and done before last date. Steps must be taken to check power theft, illegal connection, delay in power connection and installation of meters as it will prevent loss to ESComs. Quality power supply must be ensured to agriculture, industry and all categories of consumers.

“With increase in Electric Vehicles (EVs), the number of charging centres must be increased. A Fastrack Cell must be set up to address consumer grievances and provide various services including providing new power connection within 24 hours, all under one roof,” he added.