Electricity theft remains a major concern in Bengaluru, with 30,735 cases reported over the past three years despite stricter enforcement measures and welfare schemes such as Griha Jyoti. Data from the Bangalore
Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) shows that the problem continues across residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the city.
Between 2023–24 and October 2025–26, Bengaluru Urban district alone recorded 30,735 cases of power theft. Of these, 3,568 were classified as serious or cognisable offences, while 27,167 were non-serious cases. During this period, Bescom collected Rs 107.99 crore in fines from offenders in the district.
Officials say electricity is being misused through several illegal practices, including deliberate meter bypassing, tampering with meters, and drawing power through unauthorised connections. In industrial areas, some factories are reportedly consuming electricity without valid licences or approvals. There have also been instances of illegal power connections being used during building construction in different parts of the city.
While Bescom officials maintain that there has been no direct power theft linked to domestic consumption since the launch of the Griha Jyoti scheme, misuse of the scheme has been detected in commercial areas. Electricity provided under Griha Jyoti has allegedly been diverted for activities such as flour mills, grinding units, welding work, and other power-intensive commercial operations. “Such misuse is often difficult to detect during routine inspections,” a Bescom official said.
Penalties and Legal Action
Action against offenders is taken under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003. Under the law, those found guilty are fined up to three times the value of the electricity stolen. If the fine is not paid, the police file a chargesheet in court. Courts can impose a minimum jail term of six months, which may extend up to three years. In addition, electricity supply can be disconnected for periods ranging from three months to two years.
Bescom sources have also pointed to negligence by certain government agencies as a contributing factor. In some cases, electricity connections to borewells were not disconnected even after the borewells dried up, leading to unpaid power bills. There have also been instances where new borewells were drilled and electricity was drawn using old, unauthorised connections.
Across the entire Bescom jurisdiction, 67,677 power theft cases were registered during the same three-year period. This includes 12,170 serious and 55,507 non-serious cases. A total of Rs 177.25 crore was collected as penalties across the jurisdiction, with Rs 107.99 crore coming from Bengaluru Urban district alone.
Despite regular enforcement drives and awareness campaigns, officials admit that electricity theft continues to be a persistent challenge for Bengaluru’s power supply system.
