Theft and Pilferage of Electricity

Theft and pilferage of electricity is a prevalent undesirable feature in most of the states. Across all over the world the theft of power between generation and supply runs as high as 20 - 40%.  The reported figure of national average of 21% T&D losses is an underestimate of what is actually lost. Even in well run utilities, pilferage could be to the extent of 6-7%.

There are estimates in which at least one-third of all power generates gets stolen along with the connivance of the staff, bureaucrats and politicians. Power thefts are carried out through the poor and rich alike with tapped electric lines, poles, tampering with meters being pretty general in the urban areas. Do you know: At the national level, cutting down of such losses through 12%, gets transformed into Rs.10, 000 crore?

We can avoid these losses only through the pro-active participation of well meaning officials and staff.  Colluding elements have to be exposed and booked. However, there is a requirement to create public awareness to cut down losses, as is being done by the Central Income Tax department, Vigilance Commission and Central Information Commission.