Theft of Electricity

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

Theft of electricity happens when someone tampers meters, damages electric meters or equipment, etc.1.

Punishment for Theft of Electricity

  • The punishment for theft of electricity is jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine.
    • If the amount of electricity stolen does not exceed 10 kilowatt, then the fine on first offence will be at least 3 times of the financial gain caused by the theft, and it will be 6 times on every subsequent conviction.
    • In case the amount stolen exceeds 10 kilowatts, then one may be punished with jail time between 6 months and 5 years, in addition to a fine. In this case, one will also be debarred from getting any supply of electricity for a period between 3 months and 2 years.
  • The suppliers of electricity can cut off the supply of electricity if a consumer is found guilty of theft of electricity, without issuing a notice, and this supply will be restored only once the consumer has paid a fine and compensated the supplier2.

Complaining about Theft of Electricity

To report theft of electricity, you should approach the respective electricity providing board/corporation in your state. For example, for Delhi, you can lodge a complaint with BSES Rajdhani, you can use WhatsApp to submit information related to the problem at 9555010022. Read more here to see how to file a complaint with BSES Rajdhani.

  1. Section 135, The Electricity Act, 2003.[]
  2. MP Electricity Board v. Harsh Wood Product.[]

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