MSEDCL Exposes ₹46.78 Crore Electricity Theft in Thane
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has uncovered significant electricity theft operations across its Kalyan and Bhandup circles, amounting to a staggering ₹46.78 crore in losses over the past nine months. In a focused crackdown on illegal power consumption, MSEDCL has identified 9,257 theft cases, taking strong legal action against offenders.
In the Kalyan Circle alone, MSEDCL uncovered 2,625 instances of direct hooking, which caused a loss of ₹4.66 crore. Additionally, 3,942 cases of meter tampering and illegal electricity tapping resulted in a further ₹22.40 crore in losses. Unauthorized usage was also detected in 403 cases, amounting to ₹2.23 crore. As a result, the utility company has filed police complaints against 818 individuals under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which pertains to theft and illegal power consumption. Similarly, in the Bhandup Circle, the company unearthed 417 cases of direct hooking, leading to a loss of ₹1.99 crore. In another 2,273 instances of meter tampering and electricity tapping, the losses totalled ₹17.73 crore. Unauthorized electricity usage amounting to ₹2.84 crore was also found in 477 cases.
Police complaints have been filed against 88 defaulters in this region as well, for failing to settle dues. Electricity theft is classified as a serious criminal offense under the Electricity Act, 2003. Offenders are liable for penalties that include imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. MSEDCL has urged consumers to refrain from illegal electricity usage and instead opt for legitimate connections to avoid the legal consequences of theft. The company’s intensified efforts are part of a broader initiative to curb the widespread issue of power theft, which continues to impact the financial stability of electricity distribution and increases the burden on law-abiding consumers. MSEDCL’s stringent actions aim to reinforce its commitment to efficient service delivery and secure the interests of the broader community.
