HESCO Intensifies Power Theft Crackdown in Hyderabad, Finds Meter Shortage in Qasimabad
The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has intensified its campaign against electricity theft in Hyderabad, launching a major operation in SRCT Colony, Qasimabad, where officials found that only 56 electricity meters were installed for 100 connections.
The operation is part of the utility’s efforts to curb unauthorised electricity use, improve compliance with metering rules and reduce pressure on the power distribution system.
According to a report published by The Nation on October 21, 2026, HESCO teams are carrying out anti-theft operations in collaboration with Rangers.
Only 56 Meters Found for 100 Connections
During the operation in SRCT Colony, Qasimabad, officials found 56 electricity meters against 100 connections, highlighting a gap between the number of connections and installed meters at the location.
The report did not clarify whether the remaining connections were all confirmed cases of electricity theft or whether further inspections and verification were required.
The finding nevertheless highlights the importance of checking electricity connections and ensuring that consumers are supplied through authorised metering arrangements.
HESCO Warns Consumers Against Unauthorised Connections
Executive Engineer of HESCO’s Qasimabad Division, Zafar Solangi, urged consumers in Qasimabad, Heerabad and Citizen subdivisions to use electricity only through authorised meters.
He warned that connections found involved in electricity theft would be disconnected repeatedly in accordance with applicable rules.
The warning signals that enforcement may continue beyond the latest operation, with HESCO seeking compliance across the named subdivisions.
Consumers who are unsure about the status of their connections should contact HESCO through its official customer-service channels rather than relying on unauthorised wiring or informal arrangements.
Rangers Supporting the Anti-Theft Operation
HESCO is conducting the crackdown with the assistance of Rangers, according to the report.
Joint enforcement operations can help utility teams inspect connections and address unauthorised electricity use in areas where field operations may require additional security support.
However, the report did not provide a total number of confirmed theft cases, arrests, fines or recoveries arising from this particular operation. Those figures should not be assumed from the meter count alone.
HESCO Links Metering Compliance With Its Load-Shedding Goal
HESCO Chief Executive Officer Faizullah Dahri has directed officials to ensure that consumers use electricity through authorised meters, Zafar Solangi said.
Solangi added that the company was gradually taking steps to make various feeders free from load-shedding. He expressed hope that all feeders in Hyderabad would eventually become load-shedding-free, in line with the chief executive’s commitment.
A feeder is part of the electricity distribution network that supplies power to a defined area. Reducing electricity theft and improving billing and collection can help a utility manage its commercial losses, but eliminating load-shedding also depends on factors such as available electricity supply, network capacity, maintenance and operational constraints.
The report did not specify a timeline for making all Hyderabad feeders load-shedding-free.
What Hyderabad Electricity Consumers Should Know
The latest campaign is a reminder for consumers to ensure that their electricity connections are properly metered and authorised.
Consumers should:
- Use electricity through a valid, authorised meter.
- Avoid direct connections or other unauthorised methods of drawing electricity.
- Contact HESCO if a meter, connection or billing record needs verification.
- Follow official instructions if utility staff identify a metering or connection issue.
The 56-meter finding in SRCT Colony does not, by itself, establish that every connection without a meter was involved in theft. Individual cases require verification under the applicable rules.
Conclusion
HESCO’s latest operation in SRCT Colony, Qasimabad, has highlighted a significant metering gap, with 56 meters found for 100 electricity connections. The company, working with Rangers, has also warned consumers in Qasimabad, Heerabad and Citizen subdivisions to use only authorised meters.
HESCO says its broader objective includes reducing load-shedding across Hyderabad’s feeders. Whether the crackdown contributes to that goal will depend on enforcement, verified metering compliance and improvements across the wider electricity distribution system.
Editorial note: The operational details in this article are based on a report published by The Nation on October 21, 2026. Confirm any later figures on disconnections, arrests, fines or feeder performance with HESCO before updating the story.