MSEDCL takes action at 766 places for electricity theft worth over Rs 2 crore
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By: Pune Pulse
October 23, 2023
Pune: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is taking regular action to prevent electricity theft to reduce distribution and commercial losses.
In September 2023, MSEDCL exposed electricity theft and unauthorized use of electricity worth Rs 2,45,63,000 at 766 places under Pune circle out of which Rs 74,30,000 have been recovered from 237 cases.
Nishikant Raut, PRO, MSEDCL Pune said, “If electricity is stolen, there is a big risk of electrical accidents. Also, there is a provision for imprisonment for the crime of electricity theft. Therefore, instead of stealing electricity, get a safe electricity supply by taking an official electricity connection. A new electricity connection is being given to everyone from Mahavitaran.”
As per further information shared by Raut, under Pune circle, regular action is being taken against electricity theft in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad city, and Mulshi, Velhe, Haveli, Maval, Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon talukas. In this, electricity theft worth Rs 1,66,69,000 has been revealed in 538 places in September 2023.
As per section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003, action is being taken against these power thieves. All of them have been billed for electricity consumption and penal settlement amount. So far, Rs 56, 07,000 have been recovered in 187 cases.
Also, unauthorized use of electricity worth Rs 78, 94,000 was found in 183 places. Action under section 126 has been taken against these concerned customers. In this, Rs 18,23,000 has been recovered in 50 cases.
In the case of electricity theft, criminal action is being taken against those who do not pay the full amount of the bill as per the stolen electricity consumption along with the penalty amount. Accordingly, a criminal case has been registered against 13 people who stole electricity by tampering with hooks and meters in Pune Circle.
Along with this, if it is found that after disconnection of the electricity supply, the concerned defaulters are using electricity from neighbours or other places through wire or cable, action is being taken against the neighbours and related defaulters as per Section 135/138 of Indian Electricity Act 2003. It has been requested to cooperate by paying the overdue electricity bills immediately and to avoid the drastic action of disconnection of electricity supply.
Shreyas Vange
