TNPDCL Detects 70 Electricity Theft Cases Across Tamil Nadu, Imposes ₹68.80 Lakh Penalty

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TNPDCL) has detected 70 cases of electricity theft and related violations during a statewide special enforcement drive conducted between June 1 and June 15, 2026. The inspection covered multiple districts across Tamil Nadu, resulting in penalties exceeding ₹68.80 lakh.

According to TNPDCL, enforcement teams under the Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchy Enforcement Circles carried out inspections in Chennai North, Chennai West, Chennai Central, Chennai South, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore North, Tiruppur, Salem, Erode, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Vellore, and Villupuram.

59 Electricity Theft Cases Detected

During the special inspection drive, officials identified:

- 59 cases of electricity theft

- 11 other electricity-related violations

The corporation imposed a total compensation of more than ₹68.80 lakh on the offenders.

Circle-Wise Compensation

TNPDCL stated that several consumers admitted to the offences and opted for settlement by paying ₹3.40 lakh, avoiding criminal prosecution. Consequently, no police complaints were filed in those cases.

Report Electricity Theft

TNPDCL has urged the public to report electricity theft or illegal power connections using the following enforcement helpline numbers:

Chennai: 94458 57591

Coimbatore: 94430 49456

Madurai: 94430 37508

Tiruchy: 94433 29851

The corporation said public cooperation is essential to prevent power theft, reduce revenue losses, and ensure a safe and reliable electricity distribution system across Tamil Nadu.

Electricity theft is a punishable offence under the Electricity Act, and TNPDCL has warned that strict action will continue against individuals found indulgingng in illegal power usage.