State-run Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Company Limited's (MSEDCL's) annual losses in distribution and power thefts stand at 14 per cent at Rs 5,000 crore, state energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said here today.
"Energy Ministry is taking this seriously. The BJP-led government at Centre is bringing a new Act shortly which will check electricity thefts and other losses. Once implemented, this Act could help us save Rs 5000 crore," Bawankule said.
He was addressing a meeting of MLAs of all parties, which was also attended by the Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and top officials of MSEDCL. To a query, the minister said the state government was promoting the use of conventional energy. "We could save 54 per cent of power if people start using LED bulbs," he said.