MSEDCL’s new AI-based system detected 27,964 power theft cases involving electricity worth Rs 66.28 crore during June-August 2026.

Using a new AI-based system, Maharashtra’s power distribution utility has detected 27,964 cases of power theft involving electricity worth Rs 66.28 crore during June-August 2026.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has deployed more than 190 flying squads across Maharashtra to act on intelligence generated by the AI system, an official release said on Thursday. During the three-month drive, the Konkan region recorded the highest number of cases at 11,083, followed by Nagpur with 5,949, Pune with 5,849 and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with 5,083 cases.

MSEDCL has developed this artificial intelligence and machine learning module that analyses electricity consumption data round the clock to identify unusual patterns that could point to theft or meter tampering. This system tracks more than 50 technical parameters, including a consumer’s past electricity consumption, sudden increases or drops in usage and unusual meter behaviour. Consumers whose consumption patterns are flagged as suspicious are placed in a ‘high-risk’ category, allowing enforcement teams to focus their inspections on specific locations. This marks a shift from conventional inspections, where field teams would often have to conduct surveys before identifying potential cases of theft.

MSEDCL has also digitised the entire enforcement process through its Theft Tracking and Monitoring System (TTMS) mobile application. The system uploads inspection details, photographs, digital panchnamas, power disconnections, and penalty recoveries in real time.

Of the 27,964 theft cases detected, MSEDCL issued assessment bills worth ₹66.28 crore in 24,508 verified cases. The utility has recovered ₹29.85 crore so far from 10,810 settled cases. Consumers who fail to pay the assessed amount and applicable compounding fees within the stipulated period face legal action. MSEDCL has already registered 289 criminal cases under Section 135 of the Electricity Act. Electricity theft can attract penalties and imprisonment of up to three years.

The AI-led enforcement drive is part of MSEDCL’s larger effort to bring down its Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses below 10% over the next three years. Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chairman and Managing Director of MSEDCL, said the utility is focusing on recovering outstanding dues and intensifying its campaign against electricity theft.

Published on September 17, 2026