MSEDCL Uses AI to Detect 27,964 Power Theft Cases in Three Months

Mumbai/Pune, 10th September 2026: An AI-powered electricity theft detection system has helped the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) detect 27,964 cases of power theft involving Rs 66.28 crore over the past three months.

The drive, conducted between June and August, combined AI-based analysis with inspections by more than 190 flying squads deployed across the state. The AI and machine-learning module analyses over 50 parameters, including consumption patterns, sudden changes in demand and suspected meter tampering, to identify high-risk consumers for inspection.

The highest number of cases were detected in the Konkan region at 11,083, followed by Nagpur (5,949), Pune (5,849) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (5,083).

MSEDCL issued assessment bills totalling Rs 66.28 crore in 24,508 confirmed cases and has recovered Rs 29.85 crore from 10,810 cases. Criminal cases have been registered in 289 instances where consumers failed to pay the assessed charges and compounding fees.

The utility has also digitised the enforcement process through its Theft Tracking and Monitoring System (TTMS) mobile application. Inspection details, photographs, digital panchnamas, disconnection of supply and recovery of dues are recorded through the system.

Under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, electricity theft can attract penalties and imprisonment of up to three years.

Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to the chief minister and chairman and managing director of MSEDCL, said the utility aims to bring its aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses below 10% over the next three years.

“The AI module has significantly strengthened our ability to identify and act against electricity theft with greater precision. An aggressive campaign is underway, with a focus on recovering outstanding dues,” he said.