Power distribution losses: Rs 2,500 cr

Transmission and distribution losses had resulted in losses of around Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 crore (Rs 20 -25 billion) to the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Energy Minister Dilip Valse-Patil informed the state assembly on Wednesday.

The T&D losses amounted to 35.28 per cent, of which 20 per cent were due to "technical reasons," the minister said during question hour.

"The main reason for the technical losses was the distance between power generation centres and the places where it is used. It is true that power sub-stations have not been set up at some places where they are really needed," he said adding, "there are cases where such sub-stations are set up following political intervention."

The remaining 15.28 per cent T&D losses pertain to use of power and billing for the same but non-recovery of the amount, he said.

The state government has decided to set up six special police stations and two courts to deal with cases of power theft, the minister said.

The MSEB had launched a campaign to create awareness among consumers regarding curbing power theft, Valse-Patil said.

Capacitors for agricultural pump-sets have been made compulsory and officials have been asked to implement the directives, he said.