Chennai, July 14:
The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) detected 76 cases of electricity theft and 24 related violations across the State during surprise inspections between June 15 and June 30, recovering Rs 96.7 lakh as compensation.
The inspections were carried out by enforcement sub-divisions under the Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy Enforcement Divisions, covering multiple electricity distribution circles including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Villupuram.
The Chennai Enforcement Division imposed compensation charges of Rs 12.45 lakh, while Coimbatore levied Rs 36.07 lakh. The Madurai and Trichy divisions together imposed Rs 29.29 lakh.
In total, compensation amounting to Rs 98.4 lakh was imposed on consumers found guilty of electricity theft and related violations, of which Rs 96.7 lakh was collected during the inspection period.
TNPDCL said the offenders admitted to the violations and opted to compound the cases by paying a compounding fee of Rs 4.78 lakh, thereby avoiding criminal prosecution. No police complaints were registered in these cases.
The corporation has urged the public to report instances of electricity theft to enforcement authorities to help curb power pilferage and protect revenue.