Archive · 19 Sep 2026
MSEDCL Uses AI to Expose 27,964 Power Theft Cases
MSEDCL is trying to stop people from stealing electricity in Maharashtra.
It used an AI system to find places where electricity use looked suspicious.
The system checked more than 50 clues, such as unusual changes in consumption and possible meter tampering.
More than 190 inspection teams then visited locations across the state.
They found 27,964 suspected theft cases in three months.
Bills worth ₹66.28 crore were issued for 24,508 verified cases.
MSEDCL has recovered ₹29.85 crore from some consumers and filed 289 criminal cases against others.
The company says the campaign will help reduce electricity losses and recover unpaid money.
MSEDCL detected 27,964 electricity theft cases across Maharashtra between June and August, involving an estimated ₹66.28 crore.
Its AI and machine-learning module analyzes more than 50 technical criteria to identify high-risk consumption patterns.
More than 190 flying squads conducted inspections, supported by the digital Theft Tracking and Monitoring System.
Assessment bills totaling ₹66.28 crore were issued in 24,508 verified cases, with ₹29.85 crore recovered from 10,810 settled cases.
MSEDCL has registered 289 criminal cases under Section 135 of the Electricity Act against people who did not clear assessed dues and fees.
- Who
- Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, supported by more than 190 flying squads, conducted the enforcement drive.
- What
- MSEDCL detected 27,964 electricity theft cases, issued assessment bills, recovered some dues, and registered criminal cases against certain offenders.
- When
- The reported detections occurred from June through August over a three-month period.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including the Konkan, Pune, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar regions.
- Why
- MSEDCL aims to recover outstanding dues, combat electricity theft, and reduce its Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses below 10 percent within three years.
- Cases detected
- 27,964 electricity theft cases
- Estimated theft value
- ₹66.28 crore
- Verified cases billed
- 24,508
- Amount recovered
- ₹29.85 crore from 10,810 settled cases
- Criminal cases
- 289 registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act
- Enforcement teams
- More than 190 flying squads
- AI analysis
- More than 50 technical criteria analyzed continuously