Power theft of Rs 1.4 crore detected at 2 stone-crushing units in Pune’s Wagholi

The second unit had a sanctioned load of 95 horsepower but this unit too was stealing power from a distribution transformer in the area. The total power theft of the unit is estimated to be 3.55 lakh units and the unit has been slapped with a punitive power bill of Rs 70 lakh.

The police have booked proprietors of these units under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which pertains to the theft of electricity, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years or a fine or both. The theft of electricity pertains to taking direct supply without an electric meter, tampering with the electric meter, interfering with accurate metering of electricity and consumption of electricity for purposes other than the authorised usage type.

Officials have said that illegal power connections taken using hooks and cables pose a grave risk to the user households, commercial and industrial establishments and people living in the areas. The MSEDCL has made appeals to citizens to avoid using illegal power connections and report to authorities if they come across any power theft.