IMPHAL, Oct 29: A coordinated operation by the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) and Manipur Police resulted in the arrest of 71 individuals across the state for power theft.
The crackdown, carried out between October 22 and 28, is part of MSPDCL’s strategy to mitigate the severe financial losses attributed to electricity theft and revenue shortfalls.
MSPDCL officials report that the company spends an average of Rs 60 crore monthly to procure electricity from sources outside the state but recovers only about Rs 40 crore from consumer payments. Despite the actual cost per unit, including transmission charges, exceeding Rs 11, MSPDCL sells power at Rs 5.50 per unit, intensifying financial strain.
Manipur’s power demand averages around 260 megawatts during peak hours and 230 megawatts in off-peak times. To address these challenges, anti-theft operations were conducted in multiple districts, including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, and Kakching.
Alongside the arrests, MSPDCL disconnected services for 50 low-tension (LT) consumers who had outstanding bills. MSPDCL’s Executive Director (Commercial), Kamei Gaikulung, urged high-tension (HT) consumers, government offices, and LT postpaid customers to settle bills promptly to avoid service disruption.
