Surat: The state-run power DISCOM, Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL), detected electricity theft worth a whopping ₹116 crore during its vigilance drive for 2024-25, an increase of ₹27 crore compared to ₹89 crore in the previous year.

The drive involved inspections of 6.26 lakh electricity connections across the region, revealing theft in 20,063 cases. This marked a significant rise from 2023-24, when 15,111 theft cases were detected out of 5.96 lakh inspections. In 2022-23, 20,046 thefts worth ₹73 crore were found during checks on 6.66 lakh connections.

Officials have announced plans to intensify the crackdown in 2025-26, particularly targeting industrial and commercial units that misuse power, exceed sanctioned loads, or alter usage categories. DeshGujarat