Rs120crore per yr lost in e-rickshaw charging theft

Discoms said out of Delhi’s estimated 160,000 e-rickshaws, it is believed close to 60% are reliant on illegal sources

Delhi’s power discoms suffer losses of around ₹120 crore every year due to illegal power theft to charge e-rickshaws in the city, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday.

Pilferage is a cause for concern. (Representative photo)

Discoms said out of Delhi’s estimated 160,000 e-rickshaws, it is believed close to 60% are reliant on illegal sources of battery charging, resulting in power theft of 15-20 MW annually.

“This is a new kind of power theft that has emerged in recent years. It is estimated that this is leading to an annual loss of ₹120 crore,” said a power discom official, on condition of anonymity.

WHAT officials said that a large proportion of Delhi’s e-rickshaws remain unregulated, with only around 50,000 presently registered with the state transport department.

Officials at discoms highlighted that illegal charging of batteries, or sub-standard batteries pose a safety risk as well.

“Exposed electricity wires are left open during illegal charging and non-adherence to safety standards often cause sparks and short circuits. These exposed live wires also pose a danger to the public, especially children playing in these areas during the daytime,” said the official, adding this can also lead to electrocution.

A second discom official, on condition of anonymity, said such cases were on the rise in Delhi.

“Many of these points are operated by organised groups illegally tapping electricity from low-voltage mains, primarily at night. Identifying the actual users or beneficiaries is difficult, as they are rarely present during raids, which complicates the legal proceedings. These illegal operations often take place in parks and open spaces,” said the official.