12,000 metal hooks used to steal power removed in Marathwada

Aurangabad

: The state power utility has removed nearly 12,000 metal hooks from across

Marathwada

, which were used to draw power in an unauthorised manner.The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has launched a crackdown against power theft in Marathwada. Sunil Jadhav, deputy chief public relations officer of MSEDCL, Aurangabad division, on Thursday said the maximum 6,779 metal hooks were removed from

Nanded zone

, followed by 4,129 from Aurangabad zone and 1,009 hooks from Latur zone. “The crackdown against metal hooks has been carried out over last four days. The action resulted in saving nearly 78 MW of power,” he said. As a part of its ongoing all-out action against the power theft, MSEDCL has also exposed 1,703 power thefts in Marathwada using different methods. “The power theft is not only hazardous in nature as it involves direct contact with high voltage overhead cables, but also invites criminal action as per laws. The local authorities have been registering offences in incidents of power theft exposed during the current drive,” Jadhav said.MSEDCL has also appealed citizens to give tip-off about the power theft in their areas and get rewarded. As per the laid down procedure, 10% amount of total power theft is given as the prize money to informer. “The power theft is one of the reasons behind imposing emergency load shedding in areas having such high unauthorised use of power. Consumers are requested to refrain from such illegal practice,” MSEDCL authorities said.