ELECTRICITY THEFT IN INDIA- LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES BY - DR. DEEPTI SINGLA
ELECTRICITY
THEFT IN INDIA- LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
AUTHORED BY - DR. DEEPTI SINGLA
ABSTRACT
The unlawful or unapproved use of electricity without the required
authority or payment is referred to as "electricity theft". This can
take many different forms, such as tampering with meters, evading metering
systems, connecting to the power grid without authorization, or using any other
technique to access electricity without abiding by the law or other regulations
or without having to pay for the electricity used. Utility companies frequently
suffer financial losses as a result of power theft, which also raises rates for
lawful customers and may cause interruptions in the delivery of electricity
services. It is subject to legal sanctions and enforcement actions intended to
dissuade such practices because it is regarded as a severe concern in many parts
of the world. Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 is the main piece of
legislation in India that addresses electricity theft. This section
specifically addresses activities like tampering with meters, unlawful electricity
connections, and other types of unapproved use of electricity. Its harsh
penalties are intended to discourage anyone from indulging in such type of activities.
This article delves into the legal framework governing electricity theft in
India and the enforcement measures aimed at curbing this pervasive issue.
Key Words- Electricity Theft, Crime,
Tampering with Meters, Illegal Connections, etc.
I.
INTRODUCTION
"Electricity theft may seem like a victimless crime, but it affects
us all. It undermines the integrity of the power grid and drives up costs for
everyone."[1]
Electricity theft is a pervasive
issue and continues to be a significant challenge in India, posing considerable
economic and social repercussions. In India, stringent laws have been enacted
to address and curb this problem, ensuring fair distribution of electricity and
preventing revenue losses for power companies. The legal framework addressing
electricity theft in India is primarily governed by the Electricity Act of 2003
and its subsequent amendments. Under this legislation, electricity theft is
considered a criminal offence which provides punishments for various offences
related to theft and unauthorized use of electricity. Additionally, State
Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) have been empowered to formulate
regulations and guidelines for preventing and penalizing electricity theft at
the state level, however, technological solutions are increasingly being
adopted to detect and prevent electricity theft.
II.
MEANING OF
ELECTRICITY THEFT
The unlawful or unapproved use of
electricity without the required authority or payment is referred to as
"electricity theft." This can take many different forms, such as
tampering with meters, evading metering systems, connecting to the power grid
without authorization, or using any other technique to access electricity
without abiding by the law or other regulations or without having to pay for the
electricity used. Utility companies frequently suffer financial losses as a
result of power theft, which also raises rates for lawful customers and may
cause interruptions in the delivery of electricity services. It is subject to
legal sanctions and enforcement actions intended to dissuade such practices
because it is regarded as a severe concern in many parts of the world. Section
135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 is the main piece of legislation in India that
addresses electricity theft. This section specifically addresses activities
like tampering with meters, unlawful electricity connections, and other types
of unapproved use of electricity. Its harsh penalties are intended to
discourage anyone from indulging in such type of activities.
III.
HISTORY OF
ELECTRICITY THEFT IN INDIA
The history of electricity theft in
India is intertwined with the country's development of its electrical
infrastructure and the socio-economic conditions prevailing over time. Here's a
brief overview of the historical context-
i.
Pre-Independence Era (Before 1947)- During the pre-independence period,
India's electricity sector was in its infancy, with limited coverage and
infrastructure primarily serving urban centres and industrial areas.
Electricity theft, while not extensively documented, likely existed in various
forms, particularly in urban slums and rural areas where access to electricity
was limited.
ii.
Post-Independence Period (1947
onwards)- After
independence, India embarked on an ambitious program of industrialization and
infrastructure development, including the expansion of its electricity
generation and distribution networks. The rapid growth of urban and semi-urban
settlements, coupled with the challenges of providing electricity to remote
rural areas, created opportunities for electricity theft to proliferate. In the
absence of stringent enforcement mechanisms and adequate monitoring systems,
electricity theft became more prevalent, particularly in urban slums and
unauthorized colonies.
iii.
Liberalization and Reforms (1990s
onwards)- The
liberalization of India's economy in the early 1990s led to significant changes
in the electricity sector, including privatization, deregulation, and the introduction
of competition. While these reforms aimed to improve efficiency and investment
in the sector, they also exposed vulnerabilities in the distribution system,
making it easier for individuals and entities to engage in electricity theft.
The advent of new technologies, such as digital meters and smart grids, offered
opportunities for better monitoring and detection of electricity theft.
However, the adoption of these technologies varied across regions, leading to
disparities in enforcement efforts.
iv.
Current Scenario (21st Century)- Electricity theft continues to be a
pervasive issue in India, with estimates suggesting significant revenue losses
for utility companies and disruptions in service delivery. Efforts to combat
electricity theft have intensified in recent years, with initiatives ranging
from legal reforms and enforcement measures to technological innovations and
public awareness campaigns. However, challenges such as corruption, lack of
resources, and socio-economic disparities persist, hindering the effectiveness
of anti-theft measures in many parts of the country.
IV.
DIFFERENT
TYPES OF ELECTRICITY THEFT
Electricity theft can occur through
various modes, each involving different methods of bypassing or tampering with
the electrical infrastructure to obtain electricity illegally. Here are some
common modes of electricity theft:
i.
Unauthorized Connections- Unauthorized connections involve
directly tapping into the electricity supply without proper authorization from
the utility company. This can include illegally connecting wires to the
distribution lines or installing makeshift connections to draw electricity
without going through the meter.
ii.
Meter Tampering- Meter tampering involves
manipulating or altering the electric meter to underreport the actual consumption
of electricity. This can include tampering with the meter's internal
components, bypassing the meter altogether, or installing devices to slow down
or stop the meter from recording usage accurately.
iii.
Meter Bypassing- Meter bypassing entails physically
bypassing the electric meter to avoid registering consumption altogether. This
can be done by rerouting the electrical connections around the meter or
installing a separate line directly from the distribution lines to the
premises, effectively bypassing the metering mechanism.
iv.
Meter Jamming- Meter jamming involves deliberately
causing the meter to malfunction or become inoperative, either temporarily or
permanently. This can be achieved through physical damage, electromagnetic
interference, or the insertion of foreign objects into the meter's mechanisms.
v.
Phantom Load- Phantom load refers to the
unauthorized use of electricity without it being recorded by the meter. This
can occur through the use of appliances or devices that consume electricity but
do not pass through the meter, such as magnetic induction devices or direct
tapping into the electrical lines before the meter.
vi.
Digital Manipulation- With the advent of digital meters
and smart grids, new forms of electricity theft involve manipulating digital
data or hacking into the metering systems to alter consumption records or
disable detection mechanisms.
vii.
Collusion and Fraud- Electricity theft can also occur
through collusion between consumers and utility employees or through fraudulent
activities within the utility company itself. This can involve falsifying
records, providing fake meter readings, or turning a blind eye to instances of
theft in exchange for bribes or kickbacks.
viii.
Commercial Theft- Commercial establishments may engage
in electricity theft by underreporting their actual consumption or
misrepresenting their business activities to qualify for lower tariffs or
subsidies.
V.
IMPACT OF
ELECTRICITY THEFT
The wordings of the International
Energy Agency are worth noting in this regard. It said-
“Thousands of homes and businesses
have been hit with power outages that electric company officials blame largely
on pirates. The illegal lines are easy to detect as they are often above ground
and highly visible. However, one finds reports of staff being assaulted and
needing police security to carry out the removal of the lines. Corrupt staff
from the electricity organization may take bribes to allow the practice to
continue. On a larger scale, businesses may bribe power organization staff to
rig direct lines to their buildings or offices and the power does not go
through a meter. Bribes can be much less than the cost of power. Money also can
be given to inspectors to keep them from finding and/or reporting the theft.”
Electricity theft has significant impacts
on utility companies, consumers, safety, infrastructure, socio-economic
development and the overall functioning of the electricity sector. Here are
some of the key impacts of electricity theft-
i.
Financial Losses for Utility
Companies- Electricity
theft results in substantial revenue losses for utility companies, as stolen
electricity represents unpaid consumption. These losses can undermine the
financial viability of utility companies, leading to reduced investment in
infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and service improvement initiatives.
ii.
Higher Tariffs for Legitimate
Consumers- To
recover the revenue lost due to theft, utility companies often increase tariffs
for legitimate consumers, leading to higher electricity bills. This places an
additional financial burden on households, businesses, and industries,
particularly those already struggling with affordability issues.
iii.
Disruptions in Service Delivery- Electricity theft can cause
disruptions in service delivery, as stolen electricity may overload distribution
networks, leading to power outages and voltage fluctuations. These disruptions
can adversely affect productivity, disrupt business operations, and
inconvenience consumers, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare
and manufacturing.
iv.
Safety Hazards and Infrastructure
Damage- Tampering
with electrical infrastructure and meters poses significant safety hazards,
including the risk of electrical fires, electrocution, and equipment damage.
Electricity theft can also lead to premature wear and tear of distribution
equipment, necessitating costly repairs and replacements.
v.
Undermining Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Efforts- Electricity theft undermines efforts to promote energy efficiency and
conservation by encouraging wasteful consumption practices. Legitimate
consumers may be less inclined to invest in energy-efficient appliances or
adopt conservation measures if they perceive others are obtaining electricity
illegally without consequences.
vi.
Socio-Economic Impacts- Electricity theft exacerbates
socio-economic inequalities by diverting resources away from essential public
services and infrastructure development. It disproportionately affects
marginalized communities and vulnerable populations who may resort to theft due
to economic hardships or lack of access to legal electricity connections.
vii.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges- Addressing electricity theft poses
legal and regulatory challenges, including the need for robust enforcement
mechanisms, efficient legal procedures, and coordination among relevant
stakeholders. Inadequate enforcement or lenient penalties may embolden
offenders and perpetuate a culture of impunity, further exacerbating the
problem.
VI.
LEGAL
FRAMEWORK VIS-À-VIS ELECTRICITY THEFT
The legal framework addressing
electricity theft in India is primarily governed by the Electricity Act of
2003, along with various state electricity regulations and guidelines (such as
the Electricity Regulatory Commissions established by an appropriate Government
at Centre and State level under sections 3 and 17 respectively of the
Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998). Here's an overview of the key
aspects of the legal framework-
i.
Electricity Act of 2003
The Electricity Act of 2003 is the
overarching legislation governing the generation, transmission, distribution,
and trading of electricity in India. Section 135 of the Electricity Act
specifically addresses theft of electricity, prescribing penalties for various
offences related to theft, unauthorized use, and tampering with metering
equipment. Offences under Section 135 include unauthorized extraction or
abstraction of electricity, tampering with meters, devices, or lines, and
wilful damage to electrical equipment.
Key Provisions of Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003- Section 135 of the Electricity Act,
2003, outlines provisions related to theft of electricity. Here are the key
provisions of Section 135-
a)
Offences Related to Theft- Section 135 identifies various acts
that constitute theft of electricity, including-
·
Making
or receiving use of electricity without authorization.
·
Wilfully
causing damage to any electric meter, apparatus, or other works for
ascertaining the quantity of electrical energy supplied.
·
Tampering
with meters or electrical installations to avoid accurate measurement of
electricity consumption.
·
Directly
abstracting or consuming electricity without authorization.
b)
What amounts to theft of electricity?[2]
·
In
order to make a person liable under section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003[3]
two elements need to be proved-
i.
Mental element (Mens Rea)- The word “dishonesty” is used in the
section, which means the person committing the act must have a malafide
intention. But it is very difficult to prove, as the actual supply of lines is
within the premise of the occupier. Section 135 also states that whenever any
artificial method is used or any other unauthorized method is used to procure
electricity, then it will be presumed that a person has acted dishonestly.
ii.
Physical element (Actus Reus)- Physical act is necessary, as the
section has described the ‘act’ that will amount to the theft of electricity.
c)
Penalties for Offences- Section 135 prescribe penalties for
individuals found guilty of committing offences related to theft of
electricity. These penalties may include-
·
Imprisonment
for a term which may extend to three years.
·
A
monetary fine, which may extend to the amount of ten thousand rupees for every
kilowatt of electricity abstracted, consumed, or wasted.
·
Both
imprisonment and a monetary fine, as determined by the court based on the
severity of the offence.
d)
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat
Offenders- Section
135 stipulates that in the event of a second or subsequent conviction for theft
of electricity, the offender may be subject to imprisonment for a term which
may extend to six months, in addition to any other penalties imposed by the
court.
e)
Burden of Proof- Section 135 places the burden of
proof on the accused to demonstrate that they had a lawful excuse for
committing the offence or they acted without mens rea (guilty mind).
f)
Prosecution and Enforcement- Section 135 empower authorized
officers, including officers of the concerned electricity supply company and
law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute cases of electricity
theft. These officers have the authority to enter premises, inspect meters and
electrical installations, and gather evidence to support prosecution.
g)
Powers of Entry and Search- Section 135 grants authorized
officers the power to enter any premises, with or without a warrant, for the
purpose of investigating suspected cases of electricity theft. They may also
search for and seize any articles or documents relevant to the investigation.
h)
Admissibility of Evidence- Section 135 specifies that any
statement made or evidence collected during the course of an investigation into
electricity theft shall be admissible in court as evidence of the facts stated
therein.
ii.
State Electricity Regulatory
Commissions (SERCs)[4]
State
Electricity Regulatory Commissions play a crucial role in implementing and
enforcing regulations related to electricity theft at the state level. SERCs
have the authority to formulate regulations, guidelines, and codes of conduct
governing the supply and use of electricity within their respective states.
These regulations often include provisions for detecting, preventing, and
penalizing electricity theft, as well as mechanisms for adjudicating disputes
related to theft and billing.
iii.
Special Provisions and Initiatives
In addition
to the Electricity Act, 2003 and Electricity Regulatory Commissions, various
states may have enacted special provisions or initiatives to address
electricity theft more effectively. These may include task forces or dedicated
units within law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of
electricity theft, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate consumers
about the consequences of theft and encourage compliance with legal norms.
iv.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti
Yojana (DDUGJY)
The Deen
Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) is a flagship program launched by
the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of providing reliable and
continuous electricity supply to rural areas. Named after the renowned
political philosopher Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the scheme focuses on
electrifying all villages, upgrading rural electricity infrastructure,
separating agricultural and non-agricultural feeders, promoting metering and
billing efficiency, and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. The
primary focus of this scheme is to spread the benefit of electricity to every
household in the country and the sub-transmission and distribution of
electricity in rural areas. It also has many other aims including building
effective metering system so as to reduce the power losses, ensuring
uninterrupted power supply in schools, hospitals, panchayat etc. By enhancing
access to electricity in rural communities, DDUGJY aims to catalyze
socio-economic development, improve livelihoods, and bridge the rural-urban
divide in access to essential services, thus contributing to India's overall
growth and progress.
v.
Judicial Decisions on Electricity
Theft
·
The Executive Engineer vs M/s Sri
Seetaram Rice Mill
The Supreme Court held
that mens rea is an essential factor for making a person liable under Section
135 of the Act. “This offence falls within the scope of Criminal Jurisprudence
and the intention of the legislature is to bring the case of malpractice and
unauthorized use of electricity within the scope of Section 135 of Act.”
·
MP Electricity Board vs Harsh Woods:-
The Supreme Court held
that “Whenever a licensee prima facie finds that the consumer has committed the
theft of electricity, the licensee without giving an opportunity of being heard
or without any notice disconnects the line and the line is restored only after
the consumer compensates to the licensee.”
·
“Torrent Power AEC Ltd vs Gayatri
Intermediaries Pvt Ltd.
The High Court of Gujarat
held that “The special court constituted under Section 153 or sub-section (5)
of section 154 is being empowered to decide the quantum of civil liability in
the case of power theft”.
·
Suresh Ganpati Halvankar vs The State
of Maharashtra
The Supreme Court held
that “interference with the electric meter under Section 138 of the Electricity
Act, 2003 is a compoundable offence”. The Supreme Court gave guidelines also.
VII.
PREVENTIVE
MEASURES OF ELECTRICITY THEFT
Preventing electricity theft in India
requires a multifaceted approach involving legal, technological, and
socio-economic interventions. Here are some preventive measures that can be
implemented-
i.
Strengthening Legal Framework- Enhance penalties and enforcement
mechanisms to deter potential offenders. Implement strict regulations and
guidelines for the installation and maintenance of electrical meters and
infrastructure. Streamline legal procedures and expedite the adjudication of
cases related to electricity theft.
ii.
Technological Solutions- The legal framework also encourages
the adoption of technological solutions for detecting and preventing
electricity theft. This may include the installation of smart meters, advanced
metering infrastructure (AMI), and other monitoring devices capable of
detecting anomalies indicative of theft or unauthorized use.[5]
·
Smart Meters- Considered a crucial technological
tool in the fight against electricity theft, smart meters can identify and stop
electrical equipment tampering. A smart meter is, in general, an electronic
device that, for monitoring and billing purposes, communicates its real-time
electricity consumption data to a utility at brief intervals of time.
Similarly, utilities can remotely stop providing services to homes or
businesses who do not pay their bills by monitoring them using smart meters.
When there is an attempt to tamper, smart meters' built-in tamper detection
features will immediately alert users.
·
Financial Rewards- Utility companies incentivize their
customers to report instances of electricity theft by providing substantial
prizes for providing information on any individual found to be involved. For
instance, as a reward for providing information on energy theft, Tamil Nadu Generating
and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) has created a cash award up to a maximum of
Rs. 20,000/-. The board members who are in charge of looking for energy theft
is also given cash rewards.[6]
·
Periodic Checks- Utilities enforce theft prevention
by conducting routine inspections in order to identify and stop theft. For
instance, at present twenty-one enforcement teams have been set up throughout
the state of Tamil Nadu. Within the enforcement wing, there are two other
squads that operate- the intelligence squad and the flying squad/Chennai. All
these 23 Squads are supervised by the Superintending Engineer/Enforcement/Chennai
with overall control of the Director General of Police/ Vigilance/TANGEDCO.
iii.
Public Awareness Campaigns- Conduct educational programs and
awareness campaigns to inform consumers about the consequences of electricity
theft. Encourage community participation and cooperation in reporting instances
of suspected theft or unauthorized connections. Highlight the societal costs of
electricity theft, including higher tariffs for legitimate consumers and
disruptions in service delivery.
iv.
Strengthening Utility Infrastructure-
Improve the physical
security of electrical infrastructure, such as substations, transformers, and
distribution lines, to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. Invest in
grid modernization and automation technologies to enhance the reliability and
resilience of the electricity distribution system. Conduct regular maintenance
and inspections of equipment to detect and address vulnerabilities that could
be exploited for theft.
v.
Targeted Enforcement and
Collaboration- Establish
specialized task forces or units dedicated to investigating and prosecuting
cases of electricity theft. Foster collaboration between utility companies, law
enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders to share
information and coordinate enforcement efforts. Implement proactive monitoring
and surveillance measures in high-risk areas known for electricity theft, such
as urban slums and unauthorized colonies.
vi.
Regular Audits and Inspections- Conduct regular audits and
inspections of electrical meters and infrastructure to detect and address
vulnerabilities that could be exploited for theft. Implement random spot-checks
and surveillance to deter potential offenders and ensure compliance with legal
and regulatory requirements.
vii.
Socio-Economic Interventions- Address underlying socio-economic
factors contributing to electricity theft, such as poverty, unemployment, and
inadequate access to basic services. Provide targeted support and assistance to
vulnerable communities to improve their livelihoods and reduce the incentive
for engaging in theft. Explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as
microfinance and community-based initiatives, to facilitate legal access to
electricity for underserved populations. By implementing a combination of these
preventive measures, India can mitigate the prevalence of electricity theft,
promote a culture of compliance with legal norms, and ensure the equitable and
sustainable distribution of electricity resources.
viii.
Incentivizing Compliance- Offer incentives or rewards for
consumers who report instances of power theft or participate in energy
conservation programs. Implement differential tariff structures to reward
compliant consumers and penalize offenders, thereby creating economic
incentives for ethical electricity usage.
VIII.
CHALLENGES
AND ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY TO PREVENT ELECTRICITY THEFT
While the legal framework is robust,
enforcing these laws can be challenging but addressing electricity theft poses
several challenges, and effective enforcement requires overcoming these
obstacles. Here are some of the key challenges and potential enforcement
strategies-
i.
Lack of Awareness and Reporting
Challenge-
Many consumers may not be aware of the consequences of electricity theft or may
hesitate to report instances due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in law
enforcement.
Enforcement
Strategy- Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the
impacts of theft and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
Establish anonymous reporting mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing.
ii.
Limited Resources and Capacity
Challenge-
Law enforcement agencies and utility companies may lack the necessary
resources, manpower, and expertise to effectively detect and prosecute
instances of electricity theft.
Enforcement
Strategy- Invest in training programs for law enforcement personnel and utility
staff to enhance their skills in identifying and investigating theft. Allocate
adequate resources and budgetary provisions to support enforcement efforts.
iii.
Technological Sophistication of
Offenders
Challenge-
Perpetrators of electricity theft may employ sophisticated techniques to bypass
detection, tamper with meters, or conceal their activities.
Enforcement
Strategy- Stay abreast of technological advancements and invest in
state-of-the-art monitoring and detection systems capable of detecting even the
most sophisticated forms of theft. Collaborate with technology experts and cyber
security specialists to develop innovative solutions.
iv.
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles
Challenge-
Legal procedures for prosecuting electricity theft cases may be complex and
time-consuming, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the enforcement
process.
Enforcement
Strategy- Streamline legal procedures, establish specialized courts or
tribunals to adjudicate theft cases expeditiously, and enact laws that provide
for stringent penalties and sanctions against offenders. Enhance coordination
between law enforcement agencies, utility companies, and judicial authorities
to facilitate swift enforcement action.
v.
Corruption and Collusion
Challenge-
Corruption and collusion between utility personnel, law enforcement officials,
and offenders can undermine enforcement efforts and perpetuate a culture of
impunity.
Enforcement
Strategy- Implement strict internal controls, codes of conduct, and
accountability mechanisms within utility companies to prevent corruption and
ensure transparency. Conduct regular audits and investigations to identify and
address instances of misconduct. Establish independent oversight bodies or
anti-corruption commissions to investigate allegations of collusion and hold
perpetrators accountable.
vi.
Socio-Economic Factors
Challenge-
Socio-economic disparities, poverty, and lack of access to legal electricity
connections may drive individuals to engage in theft as a means of survival.
Enforcement
Strategy- Implement targeted socio-economic interventions, such as subsidies,
microfinance schemes, and livelihood programs, to address the root causes of
theft and provide viable alternatives for underserved communities. Collaborate
with social welfare agencies, community organizations, and development partners
to support initiatives aimed at improving living standards and promoting
ethical electricity usage.
By addressing these challenges
proactively and implementing robust enforcement strategies, governments and
utility companies can effectively combat electricity theft, safeguard revenue
streams, and ensure the reliability and sustainability of the electricity
supply.
IX.
CONCLUSION
Electricity theft in India remains a
complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach involving legal, technological,
and socio-economic interventions. While the legal framework provides a robust
foundation, effective enforcement measures and proactive initiatives are
essential to combat this pervasive problem. By enhancing collaboration between
stakeholders, leveraging technology, and promoting public awareness, India can
make significant strides towards reducing electricity theft and ensuring a more
equitable and sustainable energy distribution system.
"Electricity theft is a silent
thief. It steals not just electricity but also opportunities for development
and progress."[7]
[1] This anonymous quote highlights
the detrimental effects of electricity theft on society, the economy, and the
environment.
[2] Punishments for Electricity Theft
In India, available at Electricity
Theft Offences Punishments for In India- iPleaders (last visited March 15,
2024)
[3] “Whosoever commits the theft of
electricity by tapping the wires, damaging the meter, tampering the meter or
makes unauthorised use of the electricity, his/her actions shall amount to
theft”.
[4] "State Commission" means
the State Electricity Regulatory Commission constituted under sub-section (1)
of section 82 and includes a Joint Commission constituted under sub-section (1)
of section 83 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
[5] The use of block chain technology
for secure and transparent recording of electricity transactions also reduces
the risk of tampering or fraud. However, the implementation of such
technological solutions may vary across different regions and utility companies
due to factors such as cost, infrastructure, and technological readiness.
[6]Power Theft, available at https://www.cag.org.in/newsletters/public-newsense/power-theft
(last visited 18 March 2024)
[7] This anonymous quote highlights
the detrimental effects of electricity theft on society, the economy, and the
environment, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue through legal,
technological, and socio-economic interventions.