Remote controlled devices to curb power thefts

MUMBAI, MARCH 24: The Minister of State for Energy, Rajendra Darda, announced in the Legislative Assembly that the Government was considering the use of remote controlled devices to detect power thefts, especially in industries.

Replying to a question tabled by Hasan Mushrif on the issue of power thefts in the State, the minister said during the last ten months the flying squads of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) conducted 12,219 raids and found power thefts to the tune of Rs 60.81 crore. He further said that 84 cases involving power thefts of about Rs 47.18 crore are pending in the court.

Looking at the volume of power thefts by industries, He said that the government was considering the use of electronic meters with remote controls to prevent tampering of metres by the consumers. He further said that the Government might even amend the Electricity Act to set up special courts to try cases related to power thefts speedily.