Electricity theft is a serious issue in Gujarat, especially in the Saurashtra region. Reports indicate that the state’s electricity companies, particularly PGVCL, face enormous losses due to this problem. In the last two years, it is estimated that over ₹10,290 crores worth of electricity has been stolen. A significant number of people are involved, and the authorities are struggling to control the situation.
In order to combat this issue, 16 police stations under GUVNL (Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited) have been set up to deal specifically with electricity theft. Between 2021 and 2023, inspections revealed that 282,164 customers were stealing electricity. Out of these, 152,602 customers did not pay their dues amounting to ₹10,290 crores. As a result, legal actions were taken against them in various police stations.
According to sources, actions against these offenders are taken under the Indian Electricity Act of 2003, which includes penalties and possible imprisonment for up to three years. However, many individuals do not seem deterred by the consequences, as thousands continue to engage in electricity theft.
In Gujarat, four major companies supply electricity: DGVC, MGVC, UGVCL, and PGVCL. These companies regularly conduct inspections in their areas to catch offenders. Those caught are notified to pay fines along with their dues. If they fail to do so, complaints are lodged against them at their respective police stations.
The situation has become alarming. Offenders are so bold that they even attack inspection teams with stones and other weapons. In the past two years, there have been 61 reported incidents of such assaults on staff conducting inspections. PGVCL, which operates in the Saurashtra region, has recorded the highest number of theft cases.
In the year 2023-24 alone, 19,670,024 connections were checked, and it was found that 150,920 connections were involved in theft. In 2024-25, out of 18,927,777 connections checked, 131,244 customers were found guilty of theft. This indicates a troubling trend in the region, as more individuals seem to be engaging in this illegal activity.
Electricity theft not only affects the companies financially but also impacts the quality of service provided to honest consumers. The theft leads to power outages and increased costs for all customers as companies try to recover their losses.
The authorities are calling for stricter measures to combat this issue. There is a need for awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the consequences of electricity theft. Additionally, improving the technology used in monitoring electricity usage could help reduce theft.
In conclusion, electricity theft in Gujarat, particularly in Saurashtra, is a significant problem that needs immediate attention. With millions lost each year, both the government and consumers must work together to address this growing concern.