Reliance Energy beefs up anti-power theft steps

Reliance Energy Ltd on Thursday said it is strengthening its vigilance cell to check power thefts and ensure efficient power supply to consumers in Mumbai.

The company said it plans to induct over 400 retired army and police officers in its 'action taskforce' and install over 50 hooters inside electric pillars at suburban locations.

The company has set up state-of-the-art control rooms at various locations to record signals of tampering of electric pillars.

The company has also installed meters in transformers located in its five zones to record data pertaining to supply, total consumption, and purchase of electricity, a release said.

"In Mumbai, the transmission and distribution losses have been cut down to 12.8 per cent from 13.5 per cent a year ago," said Sangram Mohanty, additional vice-president, corporate communications, Reliance Energy. He, however, could not quantify the power theft incidence in Mumbai.

The company has also decided to install power theft detection instruments after conducting an in-depth research and development exercise.

Instances of tampering of pillars have reduced since the installation of the hooters, the release said. The company generates 941 mw of power through its power plants located in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa.