Chandigarh, Jan. 30 -- Kolkata-based Eminent Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL) deposited Rs.871 crore with the UT administration on Wednesday, paving the way for the company to take full control of Chandigarh's electricity department in the first week of February.

Once in charge, EEDL will handle electricity billing and manage all helplines. A detailed public notice will be released by the department.

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) will continue to oversee and fix the tariff for the private sector operator, as being done for the government department.

The department's privatisation has been vociferously opposed by employees, who have warned of boycotting work if their demands are not met before the handover. A...