Pune: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has detected 2,282 electricity theft cases in the Pune zone through a drive conducted between Apr and Jul. The offenders were found to have illegally consumed 8.7 lakh units of electricity.Of these, a bulk of 1,281 cases against individuals was registered in the last 15 days. These offenders have been fined a total of Rs81.55 lakh for stealing 3.4 lakh units of electricity, and MSEDCL will initiate criminal proceedings will be initiated against those who fail to pay the fines. Till date zero penalty has been recovered.To deter power theft, the utility imposed penalties totalling Rs 7.61 crore, it said in a statement. The crackdown is part of MSEDCL ongoing efforts to curb power pilferage, reduce distribution losses, and protect revenue while ensuring a fair electricity supply.In Rasta Peth division, officials uncovered power theft at 375 locations between Jul 1-16. Offenders had stolen 90,799 units of electricity and were fined Rs 23 lakhs.MSEDCL Pune rural division imposed fines of Rs 30 lakh on 580 individuals for stealing 1.36 lakh units of electricity. Ganeshkhind division took action against 326 individuals who stole 1.1 lakh units of electricity. A fine of Rs 28 lakh was imposed on the individuals.Dhananjay Aundhekar, Director (Operations) at MSEDCL, had ordered an intensive drive against power thieves during a review meeting. MSEDCL has taken action under sections 135 and 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003, against those who steal electricity by tampering with meters or by directly tapping into the power network using hooks or cables. Additionally, fines were also imposed under section 126 for unauthorised use of electricity for purposes other than those sanctioned.
