Power theft draining Punjab of 2,600 crore annually: Cheema calls for urgent steps

“The state government allocates Rs 6,000 crore annually as a subsidy for domestic consumers. Despite this, a substantial Rs 2,600 crore is lost due to electricity theft by these very consumers,” Cheema noted.

“This level of power theft is unsustainable and must be dealt with immediately,” Cheema said underlining the government’s commitment to providing full support to the engineers in their fight against this menace.

20 divisions account for half of the losses

According to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) data, the state is divided into nearly 100 power supply divisions, of which 20 divisions are alone responsible for almost 50 per cent of the total power theft in the state. Of the Rs 2,600 crore worth of stolen electricity, these 20 divisions account for Rs 1,286.75 crore (49.49 per cent).

These 20 divisions — Border (seven divisions), West (eight divisions) and South Zone (five divisions) — are spread across nine districts in the state, with Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Amritsar and Sangrur being the worst-hit districts. Bathinda, Muktsar, Faridkot, Barnala and Patiala circles also comprise the top 20 divisions.

The data further reveals a greater amount of theft is taking place in rural areas.

Of Rs 1,286.75 crore losses, Rs 898.17 crore (69.80 per cent) was attributed to the rural theft, with the Patti division in Tarn Taran circle at the top, accounting for Rs 120.12 crore losses, including Rs 76.79 crore in rural areas. Followed by Bhikiwind again in Tarn Taran with Rs 112. 99 crore, including Rs 99.57 crore in rural areas, the Zira division in Ferozepur Rs 111.64 crore, including 79.35 crore in rural areas, the West Amritsar division of the sub-Amritsar circle Rs 92. 16 crore, including Rs 76.79 crore in rural areas, and Baghapurana in Faridkot Rs 79.27 crore, including Rs 49.16 crore in rural areas.

Engineers face resistance during anti-theft drives

PSEB Engineers’ Association president JS Dhiman said, “Engineers are working diligently to curb theft, but they face frequent protests and resistance during anti-power theft drives.”

He urged the government to take strict action against those in higher positions who shield consumers involved in theft.

The association also proposed that consumers caught stealing electricity should be debarred from receiving any government subsidies. Cheema assured the engineers of the government’s full cooperation and assured them to address the challenges they face.

“Tackling electricity theft is a shared responsibility and coordinated efforts between the government and engineers will lead to significant progress in securing the state’s energy resources,” the minister reiterated.
Subsidy overload

PSEB Engineers’ Association general secretary Ajay Pal Singh Atwal highlighted Punjab’s massive subsidy burden — currently over Rs18,000 crore — needs to be carefully managed, especially when Rs 3,600 crore in non-payment is still pending from various government departments.

“With the next steps involving stricter action and support from the government, the engineers are prepared to intensify their efforts to safeguard Punjab’s energy sector from further financial losses due to electricity theft,” he added.