Patna: In a bid to curb mounting electricity theft amid rising summer consumption, officials from Bihar’s electricity department have intensified door-to-door inspections across the state, targeting homes with air conditioning units.
Over the past two days, a dozen households have been found to be illegally drawing power by bypassing meters, with fines levied and further action initiated. The crackdown comes as the department grapples with rising demand and mounting losses.
Acting on instructions from Electrical Executive Engineer Manish Shakya, a joint team comprising local officials and the Special Task Force (STF) carried out raids in the Banuchhappar locality of Bettiah. During the operation, seven individuals were caught stealing electricity, prompting Junior Engineer Dinesh Kumar to file a First Information Report (FIR) against them at the Banuchhappar police outpost.
“All seven were found using electricity illegally by bypassing the meter,” Kumar confirmed. He added that the department estimates losses of Rs 3,01,930 due to the illegal connections.
With revenue collections falling short of supply costs, officials say the campaign will continue, with a particular focus on homes using high-load appliances such as air conditioners.
