Electricity theft in Odisha: Tata Power personnel to get police protection during dehooking

In a move to curb electricity theft and unprecedented attacks on DISCOMs (Distribution Company) staff engaged in dehooking measures, the Odisha Energy Department has decided to provide police protection to those concerned.

In a letter, dated January 24, to the Director General and Inspector-General of Police (DG & IG), the Energy Department requested the district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to assess local conditions and ensure security for DISCOM enforcement squads. 

The letter mentioned increasing disruptions caused by anti-social elements during electricity dehooking activities and stated that mishandling of enforcement squads sometimes even leads to law and order situations.

Notably, unauthorized electricity use and theft significantly contribute to the rising Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses of DISCOMs in Odisha, where Tata Power is the primary provider.

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It is believed that ensuring a secure working environment for enforcement teams will help reduce these losses and improve operational efficiency.

The letter also highlighted that growing confrontations not only disrupt anti-theft operations but also put the lives of officials at risk. The Energy Department noted that a similar order was issued earlier this year and expressed hope for swift action to address these concerns.

Energy Department letter

Meanwhile, the Energy Department also added in the same notification that it is making necessary system upgrades to address technical losses.

The state government and Tata Power are making necessary system upgrades to address technical losses whereas conducting regular inspections through the deployment of enforcement and de-hooking squads helped prevent increasing commercial losses.

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The current measure aims to bring down operational losses and ensure the safety and morale of Tata Power personnel while discharging their duties in the state, where three DISCOMS of Tata Power secured A+ ratings in 2024 for improving power efficiency.

What are the main causes of electricity theft?

Electricity theft occurs due to various factors:

Direct hooking involves illegally connecting to the power grid without a meter.

Meter tampering includes manipulating the meter to record lower consumption.

Bypassing meters involves diverting electricity before it reaches the meter.

Collusion with DISCOM personnel can facilitate fraudulent activities. A 2020 study by the Central Electricity Authority of India highlighted these methods as primary contributors to electricity theft.

How do AT&C losses impact consumers?

AT&C losses contribute to increased electricity tariffs for honest consumers. DISCOMs often compensate for lost revenue due to theft and inefficiencies by raising tariffs for paying customers, creating an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens and hindering economic development.