Tough law alone won't do

The technical loss of energy via transmission and distribution networks is far outstripped by human pilferage through illegal connections and meter tampering. Put together, these account for 26 to 30 per cent of the total quantum of power generated in the country. This is three times more than the allowable limit so that investment in the power sector is inhibited by the factor. On the other hand, if we had successfully tackled the power thefts, we could have perhaps made do with the electricity we generate.

The draft bill to be soon placed before the parliament provides for jail term up to five years and fine not exceeding Tk 20,000 for stealing electricity through illegal connections. This is prescribed for those who receive the connections by unauthorised means. But it would be impossible for any one to obtain such connections without colluding with the officials and employees of PDB, DESA or DESCO striking financial arrangements with them. The proposed amendment also therefore provides stringent punishment for the corrupt power sector officials and employees.

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All this is very good, but the question is: who are going to enforce the new provisions other than those who themselves are beneficiaries of the present day pilferages? The amended law is asking for a total reform of the human person. Besides, there is the trade unionism tyranny to overcome.

The best option seems to be that we go for private sector involvement -- through a leasing system -- in commercial operations relating to power distribution. Secondly, we could also think of replacing existing electricity meters with the pre-paid meters that the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology has invented recently. This will rule out tampering with meter reading and ensure fool-proof revenue collection.