⚡🚨 Power-theft has become a way of life... and has pushed DISCOMs in 1 lakh crore debt: Ground Report from UP

Dear Reader,

In Uttar Pradesh, power theft is not just an economic issue—it’s a social issue, a deep-rooted cultural crisis which is crippling the state’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Swarajya's Ankit Saxena was in Agra and his ground report brings forth some startling things about the issue.

Consider the fact that 18% of power is ‘lost’ every year, unbilled and unaccounted for—mostly due to theft. Rural areas especially treat electricity as “free for all”.

Because illegal connections have been normalised as a way of life in some communities, the officials conducting raids often face threats, assaults, and local political interference, which forces them to back off.

A junior engineer, who Ankit spoke to, admits: “When we go for inspections, people are tipped off in advance. We risk our safety every day.”

And the methods of power theft! Well that too is another story into itself — naked wires tapped directly, connections bypassing meters, and even government buildings supplying power illegally to colonies.

With such challenges, DISCOMs are drowning under losses. Power engineers "lack the manpower and support to fight this alone.”

They point to political interference, manpower shortages, and the use of DISCOMs as a welfare platform for votes. They argue that the system is crippled by a lack of resources and a bureaucratic mentality.

The report highlights some innovative solutions like smart meters, prepaid meters, and underground power lines to curb theft and improve efficiency.

But what's the solution to the staggering Rs 1.1 lakh crore debt of DISCOMs? Privatisation? Public-Pvt Partnership model?

The Yogi government is moving ahead with the privatisation of two most heavily indebted DISCOMs — Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL) and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL).

Will this help? The jury is still out. Read the full ground report by Ankit — What’s Keeping UP Government’s Power Distribution Companies Buried In Debt.

- Anmol N Jain