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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Power theft FIRs rise 20%: Adani Electricity files over 1,100 cases in a year; major raids target illegal power use in Mumbai
MUMBAI :Adani Electricity continued its campaign against electricity thefts in suburbs. In a latest media report, it announced filing 1,166 FIRs against electricity theft offenders in 2024-2025, showing an increase from 974 FIRs in 2023-2024 — rise of 20%. This enforcement led to a reduction in distribution losses to 4.70% in 2024-25 from 5.47% previously. The company executed 37,424 mass raids, a 41% rise from 26,628 raids in 2023-24. Enhanced surveillance resulted in 20% more FIRs and 44% increase in non-standard hour operations. Enforcement teams seized 61 tons of illegal wiring, identifying theft of 24 million units worth Rs. 45 crore. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Said Adani Electricity spokesperson : "Electricity theft creates unfair costs for legitimate consumers. Our enhanced enforcement demonstrates our commitment to consumer protection. We plan to strengthen these measures to achieve further reductions in losses." The spokesperson added: "We remain dedicated to delivering reliable, cost-effective power to Mumbai residents. Our success in reducing AT&C losses reflects effective theft prevention, protecting both infrastructure and consumer interests through competitive pricing." Under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003, electricity theft carries penalties including fines and imprisonment up to three years. Adani Electricity works closely with law enforcement for regular inspections and equipment seizures. 'Unauthorised power usage in densely populated areas strains existing networks, leading to increased maintenance requirements and equipment failures,' an official added. Few significant cases were detected in 2024-25: April 2024: Adani Electricity's Vigilance team discovered a construction company in Ghatkopar illegally drawing power directly from the meter incoming terminal. This led to a power theft case valued at Rs. 41 lakh. The discom registered an FIR against the customer at Pant Nagar Police Station, Ghatkopar. January 2025: In the second significant theft case, the Vigilance team apprehended a customer operating an adhesive manufacturing unit in Andheri using an unauthorized electricity connection. This resulted in power theft valued at Rs. 51.09 lakhs. An FIR was lodged against the customer at Kherwadi Police Station, Bandra. February 2025: The third case involved a customer in the printing, binding, lamination, and packaging industry in Andheri. This customer was found to be involved in power theft through meter tampering
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Adani Electricity ramps up fight against power theft in FY25, to further intensify efforts
Adani Electricity registered 1,166 first information reports (FIRs) against perpetrators of power theft -- a substantial increase compared to 974 FIRs in FY 2023-2024, thus achieving significant reduction in losses, the company said on Tuesday. The action resulted in a commendable 0.77 per cent reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, bringing them down to 4.70 per cent in FY 2024-25 from 5.47 per cent in the previous year. This achievement positions Adani Electricity among Discoms with the lowest AT&C losses nationwide, especially considering its extensive network and diverse consumer base. "Power theft unfairly burdens honest, paying consumers. Adani Electricity is committed to eliminating the menace of power theft. By combating such unlawful activities, we safeguard the interests of our customers. We will intensify our efforts in specific areas to further reduce AT&C losses this year,' said a company spokesperson. During FY 2024-25, Adani Electricity conducted 37,424 mass raids, marking a 41 per cent increase compared to 26,628 mass raids in FY 2023-24. This intensified vigilance also reflects a 20 per cent increase in FIRs and a 44 per cent increase in odd-timing raids (including early morning, late evening, and holiday raids). Additionally, there was a 3 per cent increase in the number of power theft cases booked. During raids, 60.90 tonnes of illegal wires were recovered. A total theft of 23.76 million units, amounting to Rs. 44.92 crore was assessed. Last fiscal saw Adani Electricity's vigilance team uncover four major power theft cases. In April 2024, Adani Electricity's vigilance team discovered a construction company in Ghatkopar illegally drawing power directly from the meter incoming terminal. This led to a power theft case valued at Rs 40,50,589. The Discom registered an FIR against the customer at Pant Nagar Police Station, Ghatkopar. In January 2025, in the second significant theft case, the team apprehended a customer operating an adhesive manufacturing unit in Andheri using an unauthorized electricity connection. This resulted in power theft valued at Rs. 51.09 lakh. An FIR was lodged against the customer at Kherwadi Police Station, Bandra. In February, the third case involved a customer in the printing, binding, lamination, and packaging industry in Andheri. "This customer was found to be involved in power theft through meter tampering, using an external shunt wire on the Y and B phases. This led to a power theft case worth Rs. 32.04 lakh. An FIR was lodged against the industrial customer at Kherwadi Police Station," according to the company. Similarly, in March, a customer operating a gym and fitness centre, despite having two official connections for its premises, was involved in power theft. The action led to a power theft case worth Rs. 38,36,948. An FIR was registered against the customer at Govandi Police Station. Adani Electricity said it actively collaborates with police authorities to conduct regular mass raids, apprehend offenders, and confiscate equipment used for power theft. During FY 2024-25, a significant amount (60.90 tonnes) of unauthorised wires and other equipment were seized. "Adani Electricity is unwavering in its commitment to providing reliable and affordable power to all Mumbaikars," said an Adani Electricity spokesperson.
News18
02-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Power Sector: How Financial Sustainability Can Make Discom Landscape Resilient
The challenge facing discoms in India is unique. They have to ensure a delicate balance between ensuring affordable power supply for consumers and maintaining commercial viability. Though it may seem idealistic, this balance must be realistically addressed and communicated in line with ground realities. This balancing act is the need of the hour, especially as India—now the world's fourth-largest economy—advances towards its ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat — becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047. FINANCIAL CHALLENGES Many positive developments are happening in India's power sector, including a sharp reduction in power shortages. National energy shortages have fallen to just 0.1% in FY2024-25, down from 4.2% in FY2013-14. Electricity availability in rural areas increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 21.9 hours, while urban areas now enjoy up to 23.4 hours of supply. However, challenges remain, especially for discoms. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), state-owned discoms had accumulated losses of ₹6.5 lakh crore by 2022-23, about 2.4% of the country's GDP. Reform measures under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) have reduced AT&C losses to 15.37% and the ACS-ARR gap to Rs 0.45 per kWh in FY2023. But rising per capita energy consumption—up 45.8% from 957 kWh in 2013-14 to 1,395 kWh in 2023-24—will place additional financial pressures on discoms. Persistent issues such as electricity pilferage, aging infrastructure, heavy subsidy burdens, climate risks as highlighted by the WMO, and a shortage of skilled workforce continue to strain power distribution sustainability. These factors drive high losses, frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and slow adoption of modern technologies. SOLUTIONS TO FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Ensuring the financial sustainability of discoms requires a strategic blend of operational efficiency, technological upgrades, and sound financial management. Smart metering and grid digitization can significantly improve billing accuracy, reduce technical and commercial losses, and enable better demand-side management. Similarly, integrating renewable energy reduces procurement cost volatility and enhances long-term predictability of energy expenses. Modernising infrastructure — from transformers to substations — is equally essential to reduce outages and technical losses. Adoption of technologies like AI and analytics can aid in demand forecasting, theft detection, and predictive maintenance, further strengthening grid resilience. In this regard, revitalising ageing infrastructure must be prioritized, supported by clear policy incentives to attract clean energy investments. Targeted financial reforms are equally critical. Discoms need long-term debt restructuring linked to performance outcomes, alongside innovative financing tools like green bonds, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and state-backed guarantees to attract low-cost capital. Policy-driven investment frameworks—such as viability gap funding for storage infrastructure or fiscal incentives for renewable-distribution integration—can further enhance discoms' financial viability. Tariff rationalization that gradually aligns rates with actual supply costs, while protecting low-income consumers through direct benefit transfers, is another essential lever. To address future shocks, a central risk mitigation fund can be instituted to absorb revenue losses from climate events or demand fluctuations. Additionally, tapping into new revenue streams such as green energy trading and carbon credit monetization can diversify income sources. Aligning with emerging Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) initiatives is also crucial to enable grid flexibility, support renewable integration, and improve load balancing—ultimately making discoms more financially and operationally resilient. Strong governance and financial discipline must underpin these efforts. Transparency, professional management, and robust accountability frameworks will boost investor confidence. The Ministry of Power's Integrated Rating and Ranking system is a step in this direction and should be continuously refined to encourage better financial and operational outcomes across discoms. NEED FOR SUSTAINED GOVERNMENT PUSH The central government's consistent push for power sector reforms is commendable and must persist. A flagship initiative in this direction is the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to enhance the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of discoms through infrastructure modernization, widespread smart metering, and performance-linked incentives. Notably, the RDSS sets ambitious targets—reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12–15% and eliminating the Average Cost of Supply–Average Revenue Realized (ACS-ARR) gap by 2025. Structural reforms, such as the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, complement RDSS by promoting competition and consumer choice, and emphasize growing public-private partnerships. advetisement A notable example of successful reform is the Delhi model, where privatization of power distribution led to significant improvements in efficiency, substantial reduction in AT&C losses, and enhanced consumer service. While privatization is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it demonstrates that in regions with robust governance and regulatory frameworks, it can energize the distribution sector, making it more accountable, transparent, and consumer-friendly. THE ROAD AHEAD Achieving financial sustainability remains central to India's goal of delivering universal, affordable, and clean energy. As energy demand continues to surge with rising urbanization and electrification of transport, financial sustainability will become even more pivotal. To achieve this, a cohesive strategy is required—grounded in technological innovation, stable and supportive policies, governance reforms, and capacity building. Strengthening the financial and operational health of discoms through targeted initiatives like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is vital, alongside efforts to revitalize ageing infrastructure, incentivize clean energy investments, and align with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) initiatives. These reforms must be accompanied by measurable improvements in service delivery, transparency, and stakeholder collaboration. advetisement
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Odisha seeks centre's support to emerge as a model in power sector
Bhubaneswar: Asserting that Odisha has successfully transitioned from a 'power-sufficient to a power-empowered' state, the government on Tuesday sought the Centre's support to build itself as a model in the electricity sector. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who is also in charge of the power department, said this at a conference of the energy ministers and secretaries of the eastern region, chaired by Union Power Minister Manoharlal, in Patna. "Odisha has successfully transitioned from a power-sufficient to a power-empowered state. The state's peak power demand of 6,242 MW has been fully met. By 2036, 61 per cent of Odisha's power portfolio is targeted to be from non-fossil sources," Singh Deo was quoted in a statement as saying. Singh Deo informed the gathering that the state plans to add a total of 11,294 MW by 2036, including solar, wind, hydro, distributed renewable energy (DRE), and pumped storage, out of which 3,904 MW has already been contracted. He said that Odisha has achieved Grid Resilience through Islanding Schemes to ensure uninterrupted power supply during grid failures. By 2030, Odisha will have 225 substations and 20,939 ckm (Circuit kilometer) of transmission lines with a total transformation capacity of 45,369 MVA (Megavolt-amperes), Singh Deo said. This apart, the minister said, the renewable power evacuation corridors are being developed. This included Hirakud-Kolabira-Duburi, Indravati-Theruvali-Gopalpur, Theruvali-Jayanagar 400kV LILO at Jayanagar pooling Station, Balimela to Kolab to Jayanagar Pooling Station. Singh Deo said that the AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses have reduced significantly from 29.5 per cent in FY21 to 16.5 per cent in FY25. Three out of four DISCOMs have received A+ ratings in the 12th and 13th Annual Rankings of Power Distribution Utilities and were among the top 10 performing utilities in India, he said. The minister sought proactive support from the Central government on key initiatives like sanction of Rs 6284 crore funds under the revamped distribution sector scheme, Central financial assistance for disaster-resilient power infrastructure, allocation of 800 MW power from the NLC Talabira Phase II project to Odisha and sanction of central financial assistance under Green Energy Transmission Corridor Projects in the state. This apart, the state government also sought the Centre's support for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) in line with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), floating solar projects, and offshore wind projects in Odisha, along with support for a study of tidal potential on the state's coastline. PTI
Hans India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Odisha seeks to emerge as model in power sector
Bhubaneswar; Asserting that Odisha has successfully transitioned from a 'power-sufficient to a power-empowered' State, the government on Tuesday sought the Centre's support to build itself as a model in the electricity sector. Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, who is also in charge of the Power department, said this at a conference of the energy ministers and secretaries of the eastern region, chaired by Union Power Minister Manoharlal, in Patna. 'Odisha has successfully transitioned from a power-sufficient to a power-empowered State. The State's peak power demand of 6,242 MW has been fully met. By 2036, about 61 per cent of Odisha's power portfolio is targeted to be from non-fossil sources,' Singh Deo was quoted in a statement as saying. Singh Deo informed the gathering that the State plans to add a total of 11,294 MW by 2036, including solar, wind, hydro, distributed renewable energy (DRE) and pumped storage, out of which 3,904 MW has already been contracted. He said Odisha has achieved Grid Resilience through Islanding Schemes to ensure uninterrupted power supply during grid failures. By 2030, Odisha will have 225 substations and 20,939 ckm (Circuit kilometre) of transmission lines with a total transformation capacity of 45,369 MVA (Megavolt-amperes), Singh Deo said. This apart, the minister said the renewable power evacuation corridors are being developed. This included Hirakud–Kolabira–Duburi, Indravati–Theruvali–Gopalpur, Theruvali-Jayanagar 400kV LILO at Jayanagar pooling station, Balimela to Kolab to Jayanagar Pooling Station. Singh Deo said the AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses have reduced significantly from 29.5 per cent in FY21 to 16.5 per cent in FY25. Three out of four DISCOMs have received A+ ratings in the 12th and 13th Annual Rankings of Power Distribution Utilities and were among the top 10 performing utilities in India, he said.
