Over 1.3L transformer thefts cost Rs 1,000cr to PSPCL

Chandigarh: Theft of power transformers and other electrical equipment across Punjab caused substantial financial losses to the state power utility over the past decade, while also disrupting electricity supply for consumers in affected areas. Official data tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha showed that such thefts continued year after year, resulting in losses running into crores of rupees for the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).Responding to a question by MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, power minister Sanjeev Arora said transformers and electrical components belonging to PSPCL were repeatedly stolen from different parts of the state. These incidents not only caused heavy financial losses to the power utility but also led to power disruptions, creating difficulties for consumers.Overall, from 2015–16 to 2025–26, a total of 1,34,313 cases of theft of transformers and other electrical equipment were reported in Punjab, leading to cumulative losses of over Rs 1,003 crore for PSPCL.A total of 6,321 incidents of theft of transformers and electrical equipment were reported in 2015–16, resulting in losses of about Rs 21.67 crore. The number increased to 6,825 incidents in 2016–17, with losses of Rs 24.84 crore, and further to 8,330 incidents in 2017–18, when the financial loss rose to about Rs 549.2 crore.In 2018–19, the number of theft cases jumped to 10,900, causing losses of Rs 36.17 crore, while 11,174 incidents were reported in 2019–20, with losses of Rs 37.2 crore. The trend continued in subsequent years, with 11,478 cases in 2020–21 leading to losses of Rs 39.3 crore.The problem intensified in the following years. In 2021–22, 15,083 theft cases were recorded, with financial losses of Rs 55.04 crore, while 17,919 incidents were reported in 2022–23, resulting in losses of Rs 62.26 crore.The figures continued to climb thereafter. In 2023–24, PSPCL reported 18,598 theft incidents, with losses of Rs 66.11 crore, and in 2024–25, the number increased to 19,417 cases, causing losses of about Rs 74.73 crore. For the ongoing year 2025–26, 8,268 incidents were already recorded, resulting in losses of Rs 37.22 crore so far.The govt informed the House that several measures were put in place to curb such thefts. These included mandatory registration of FIRs immediately after the theft of a transformer or electrical material was detected. To prevent easy removal of transformers, field staff ensured that transformers were securely welded to the channel or pole structures, making it more difficult for miscreants to detach them. Night patrolling and surprise checks by enforcement squads and field staff were also intensified in areas where such thefts were frequently reported.The power utility also maintained regular coordination with district police authorities, with PSPCL officials assisting the police in inspecting local scrap dealers and recycling units to trace stolen copper coils and oil. In addition, awareness efforts were undertaken with village panchayats and local residents, encouraging them to immediately report any suspicious activity near electrical infrastructure to the nearest PSPCL office or the police.