Surat Citizen's Council, an NGO has been fighting on behalf of SEC consumers facing problems like excess billing and `fast-moving meters'. It has also been leading an agitation to press for parity between the tariffs charged by the SEC and the state-owned Gujarat Electricity Board.

Trust chairman I J Desai alleged that the Surat Electricity Company had been levelling host of allegations against the consumers and illegally cutting off power connections without giving them an opportunity to present his case. No effort was being made to find out whether irregularities -- like broken seal or holes in meters -- were ill-intentioned, he added.

The trust has asked the consumers to install meters at visible places and cover them with an additional enclosure and a lock. The arrangement would, the trust said, enable the SEC staff to take reading, but prevent them from disconnecting power connection without the knowledge of the consumer.

According to the trust, the SEC advertisements threatening erring consumers with action under Sections 39, 39-A and 44 of the Electricity Act, 1910 were a reflection of the company's growing frustration at not being able to nab the real culprits, who are stealing power. The trust says that the company cannot penalise the consumers for the 11 ways of thefts mentioned in the advertisements.

The trust has also, strangely, advised the consumers to prevent the Surat Electricity Company staff from disconnecting power supply. They have been asked to lodge a police complaint.

Desai also suggested that there was a legal provision which allowed subscribers to install electronic or electromechanical meter as it would not only save the amount they have deposited with the company but also save on the monthly rent. And only an electrical inspector was allowed to dispose off grievances on faulty meters by installing another meter.

The trust reminded subscribers that theft of power was an offence, both criminal and moral. Real culprits should be punished, but not at the cost of innocent ones, it said.