The Hindu Business Line : Maharashtra power supply co to file FIR against thefts

In order to check the rising cases of power theft in the State, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has decided to lodge First Information Reports at police stations against those consumers indulging in power theft of more than 3 kilowatt load or whose power theft has been assessed at more than Rs 20,000, said Mr A. Pandey, Managing Director, MSEDCL.

A circular to this effect has been issued to the zone, circle, and division officers of MSEDCL asking them take immediate action, said Mr Pandey at a news conference here.

Power Shortage

Mr Pandey said that consumers indulging in power theft were taking advantage of section 152 of the Electricity Act, which allows them to get away after payment of a fine.

"This deterrence is not sufficient, so we have taken this decision," he said.

"We have taken opinion from our legal department on this decision and it will stand judicial scrutiny," he added.

Mr Vijay Sonavane, Executive Director (Corporate Planning), MSEDCL, said that between April and November 2006, about 14,000 cases have been settled under section 152.

The MSEDCL has recovered fine of Rs 10 crore from these cases, he said.

Mr Pandey said that the decision has been taken in view of the fact that there is acute shortage of power in the State with load shedding at over 4,000 MW.

The yearly distribution losses in the State are over 33 per cent.

Even if the losses are reduced by 1 per cent, MSEDCL stands to gain Rs 200 crore, he said.

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