MSEDCL uncovers 19,599 power theft cases across Maharashtra

MSEDCL has detected 19,599 power theft cases across Maharashtra in the past four months, with 11,032 cases found in July alone. Inspections since April revealed 15,965 cases of direct hooking or meter tampering, with theft worth Rs 30.36 crore assessed. Another 3,634 cases are under evaluation.

The highest number of thefts were in the Konkan region (7,496), followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (4,597), Nagpur (4,521) and Pune (2,985). Of the assessed cases, MSEDCL has issued bills totalling Rs 30.36 crore. So far, 6,629 consumers have paid Rs 14.12 crore, and the utility has recovered Rs 1.85 crore in compounding charges from 4,959 cases.

MSEDCL managing director Lokesh Chandra warned that defaulters face criminal action under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which allows fines and imprisonment of up to three years. The utility is also inspecting disconnected connections and acting against those illegally sourcing power from other locations.