Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) uncovered 2,797 cases of power theft in Nagpur district between April and December 2024, officials said on Wednesday. Additionally, 195 cases of unauthorized electricity usage were detected during this period.
The theft amounted to 25.57 lakh units worth ₹4.94 crore. MSEDCL fined 2,690 offenders ₹1.11 crore, while 29 cases were registered with the police. Among the offenders, 1,501 used illegal connections, while 1,296 tampered with meters through methods such as remote controls, drilling, or slowing meter speeds. Unauthorized use led to penalties of ₹54 lakh for 2.33 lakh stolen units.
To tackle theft, MSEDCL has intensified inspections, targeting consumers with faulty meters, average billing, and unpaid dues. They have also begun stricter checks on defaulters disconnected for non-payment.
Illegal power usage damages transformers and lines, leading to outages and equipment failures, affecting paying customers and causing financial losses. MSEDCL has urged consumers to use authorized meters and pay bills promptly to avoid penalties and legal action.