Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) conducted a four-day drive from September 21 to 24 in Nagpur city. The drive unearthed power theft to the tune of Rs 36.97 lakh. About 98 customers were found to have manipulated meters or using power illegally.
The special drive to detect power pilferage was undertaken in Gandhibagh, Civil Lines and Mahal zones of Nagpur city. The team consisted of engineers, officers and staff from Nagpur City Circle, Nagpur Rural Circle, Wardha, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia and Chandrapur who inspected meters and power systems of more than 250 electricity consumers. 94 customers were found to have tampered with the meters or used electricity illegally and power theft was pegged at Rs 36.97 lakh.
Action was taken against these customers under Section 135 of the Electricity Act and an electricity bill along with penalty was issued and five customers immediately paid Rs 1.25 lakh. Four other customers were found stealing electricity by other means and they were billed Rs 1.07 lakh. These customers have been prosecuted under Section 126 of the Electricity Act.
