Taking a tough stance against electricity theft, the Nagpur division of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has registered nearly 4,050 cases of power theft during the financial year 2023-24. Various types of electricity thefts, such as meter tampering, bypassing meters, overloading of power, and tapping into the lines, have been observed. The total value of electricity stolen through these means amounts to approximately Rs. 72.64 million. In response, legal action has been taken under the Indian Electricity Act against 149 electricity thieves.
During the fiscal year 2023-24, Chief Engineer Dilip Dodake led an aggressive campaign against electricity theft in the Nagpur Urban, Nagpur Rural, and Wardha divisions under Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). A consistent effort was made to combat electricity theft, with specific focus on unauthorized electricity usage, overload of power, and incorrect meter readings, resulting in a total of 263 cases of electricity misuse, 1,331 cases of meter tampering, and 789 cases of various other forms of theft. The total amount involved in these cases sums up to Rs 44.21 million. Legal action has been taken against 1,593 consumers, resulting in penalties amounting to Rs 5.92 million, and charges have been filed against 146 electricity thieves.
Similarly, in the Nagpur Urban division, unauthorized electricity usage, overload of power, and incorrect meter readings led to 526 cases of electricity misuse, 371 cases of meter tampering, and 219 cases of various other forms of theft, amounting to Rs 15.54 million. Legal action has been taken against 607 consumers, resulting in penalties totaling Rs 1.483 million, and charges have been filed against 83 electricity thieves.
Nagpur’s MSEDCL has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft in Wardha district, maintaining a consistent effort throughout the year. A total of 49 cases of unauthorized electricity usage, overload of power, and incorrect meter readings, along with 147 cases of tapping into lines and 532 cases of various other forms of theft, have been detected. The total amount involved in these cases is approximately Rs 17.968 million. Legal action has been taken against 498 consumers, resulting in penalties amounting to ₹1.946 million.
Furthermore, cases of electricity theft include 334 instances of unauthorized electricity usage, overload of power, and incorrect meter readings, along with 2024 cases of tapping into lines and 1692 cases of various other forms of theft.