Dehradun: In a bid to curb rising incidents of electricity theft, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) has announced a series of strict measures. The vigilance unit is preparing to conduct surprise raids in collaboration with police forces in high-risk areas. Defaulters will face disconnection of electricity, hefty fines, and FIRs under Section 135 of the Electricity Act.
To address issues beyond theft, including overloaded connections and technical discrepancies, the corporation has instructed divisional teams to take immediate corrective actions. Special teams have been deployed to inspect faulty connections, unauthorized load usage, and other irregularities.
Over 1,800 Cases of Electricity Theft Detected
The vigilance cell has conducted checks on 2,934 electricity connections in the current fiscal year (2024-25) until October, uncovering 1,870 cases of electricity theft. This marks a 28% increase in action compared to the previous year.
UPCL Managing Director Anil Kumar stated that the installation of smart meters will soon begin across the state. These devices are expected to improve power distribution efficiency and significantly reduce electricity theft. Consumers are urged to report any suspected theft by calling the toll-free helpline (1912).
Monthly Cases of Electricity Theft
| Month | Inspected Connections | Theft Cases | Load (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 320 | 201 | 263 |
| May | 474 | 327 | 483 |
| June | 449 | 299 | 569 |
| July | 432 | 235 | 338 |
| August | 429 | 284 | 491 |
| September | 413 | 229 | 307 |
| October | 417 | 295 | 451 |
In addition to vigilance operations, Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers are actively creating lists of major defaulters. These individuals or entities will face FIRs and other legal actions.
Consumers can anonymously report electricity theft and related violations through UPCL’s helpline to ensure accountability and maintain confidentiality.
