Madhya Pradesh Plans Dedicated Energy Police Stations to Tackle Power Theft and Recover Dues – EQ
In Short : Madhya Pradesh plans to launch dedicated energy police stations to curb power theft and recover around ₹11,000 crore in outstanding electricity dues. The initiative aims to strengthen enforcement, improve revenue realisation for discoms, and enhance overall power sector efficiency by addressing illegal connections, billing losses, and long-pending recoveries across the state.
In Detail : Madhya Pradesh has announced plans to establish dedicated energy police stations to address the persistent challenge of power theft and recover substantial outstanding electricity dues estimated at ₹11,000 crore. The move reflects a stronger enforcement-focused approach to improving the financial health of the state’s power distribution sector.
Power theft has been a major contributor to losses faced by distribution companies, affecting their ability to invest in infrastructure upgrades and provide reliable electricity. Illegal connections, meter tampering, and unauthorised usage have long strained discom finances and undermined service quality.
The proposed energy police stations are expected to specialise in electricity-related offences, enabling faster investigation and prosecution. Trained personnel with technical understanding of power systems can help ensure more effective enforcement compared to general law enforcement mechanisms.
By creating dedicated units, the state aims to improve coordination between power utilities and the police. This integration can help streamline complaint registration, evidence collection, and legal follow-up, leading to quicker resolution of cases and stronger deterrence against theft.
Recovery of long-pending dues is another key objective of the initiative. Large arrears owed by various consumer categories have weakened cash flows, and focused enforcement is expected to support improved billing discipline and timely payments.
The move is also expected to send a strong signal about the government’s intent to protect public assets and ensure fair use of electricity. Enhanced enforcement can encourage compliance, reduce losses, and promote a culture of accountability among consumers.
Improved revenue realisation can help discoms invest in network modernisation, metering, and service improvements. Stronger finances are essential for meeting growing power demand and supporting the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
The initiative aligns with broader reforms aimed at reducing aggregate technical and commercial losses in the power sector. By combining policy measures with enforcement mechanisms, the state is seeking a more holistic approach to power sector sustainability.
Overall, the establishment of dedicated energy police stations represents a decisive step toward strengthening governance in the electricity sector. If effectively implemented, the initiative could significantly reduce power theft, accelerate dues recovery, and improve the long-term viability of Madhya Pradesh’s power distribution system.
