Power theft cases in city on the rise despite strict measures

In Bengaluru, power theft cases have continued to rise despite stringent measures to combat the issue. Over the past three years, a total of 645 power theft cases have been recorded in the city, with more than 218 of these cases coming from the South Division. While the implementation of the Griha Jyoti scheme has led to a decrease in thefts, illegal power connections for industrial and commercial use remain a significant concern. In 2024 alone, the city’s vigilance team has identified 192 cases, most of which were related to unauthorized power use in construction sites and commercial establishments such as welding shops and flour mills. A major issue is the illegal use of electricity in industrial areas, where some factories are operating without proper licenses or permissions. Additionally, while neighbors often help identify unauthorized domestic connections, it remains difficult to spot misuse in private homes, leading to underreporting. BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) has been actively monitoring and investigating these cases, with strict penalties in place for offenders. Those found guilty are charged three times the cost of the units consumed, with fines of ₹5.90 per unit for domestic theft and ₹8 per unit for commercial theft. Non-payment of fines can lead to legal action, with courts imposing sentences ranging from six months to three years of imprisonment. The vigilance team also warns that the supply of electricity may be suspended for a period of three months to two years.