Rs6 crore recovered as fine for electricity thefts

In the last year, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (MSEDCL), came across 767 incidences of electricity thefts and uncovered 3,911 locations where incidences of illegal usage of electricity took place. Of the total 4,678 incidences, the MSEDCL has fined 3,237 users and recovered a fine of Rs6.25 crore.

Last year, for areas under Rasta Peth, Ganeshkhind and Pune rural division alone MSEDCL recorded 3,911 cases of illegal use of electricity. The electricity body had collected a fine of Rs 4 crore from 2,665 people.  Around 37 criminal cases have been registered against various people for electricity theft.

MSEDCL officials said, "Our teams go around unearthing such incidences. The systems engineers are keeping tabs on usage of people. If there is a sudden change or reduction in electricity usage, the team checks the location. Then, following the rules laid down by the body, they take actions against illegal activities if any."