Bengaluru Battles Power Theft: 30,735 Cases, Rs 107.99 Cr Fines Collected

• Bengaluru Urban recorded 30,735 power theft cases and collected Rs 107.99 crore in fines over three years (2023-24 to Oct 2025-26).
• Theft methods include meter bypassing, tampering, unauthorized connections, and illegal industrial consumption.
• Misuse of the Griha Jyoti scheme for commercial activities like flour mills and welding units has been detected.
• Action is taken under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003, with penalties including fines, jail time, and power disconnection.
• Across Bescom jurisdiction, 67,677 cases were registered, with Rs 177.25 crore collected in penalties.

Why It Matters: Bengaluru faces persistent power theft, with thousands of cases and crores in fines despite enforcement.