With transmission and distribution losses more than 40%, the Indian state of Orissa is to open almost 30 new energy police stations, in addition to the existing five, in order to curb power theft. Each of the stations will have a circle inspector, two assistant sub-inspectors and 15 constables. In the reform leading state, illegal connections and defective meters have become a challenge for private distribution companies that are struggling make a turnaround. Reliance Energy Ltd, which owns three of the four power distribution companies – Wesco, Nesco and Southco – has already had to replace standard low tension lines with insulated wires to prevent theft, which is not seen as a criminal act in many parts of the state.
