Power Theft Fuels Delhi’s E-Rickshaw Boom, At a Cost of ₹120 Crore

Delhi’s e-rickshaw sector is grappling with widespread electricity theft, with reports indicating that 60% of e-rickshaws are charged using stolen electricity. This illegal practice is causing an estimated ₹120 crore in annual losses for power companies.

Many e-rickshaw drivers rely on unauthorized charging points, often set up in shops, parking lots, or even residential buildings, leading to frequent fire hazards. The lack of dedicated charging infrastructure has forced drivers to seek alternative, often unsafe, charging methods.

Authorities are under pressure to crack down on illegal charging hubs and establish regulated fast-charging stations to curb theft and improve safety.

How this issue ties into Delhi’s clean-energy policies?

Delhi’s clean-energy push is at odds with the widespread electricity theft fueling its e-rickshaw sector. While e-rickshaws were introduced as a green alternative to fossil-fuel-powered transport, their reliance on illegal charging networks undermines the city’s sustainability goals.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has set a special tariff of ₹4.50 per unit to encourage legal charging. However, with over 60% of e-rickshaws tapping into stolen power, the city faces ₹120 crore in annual losses. This not only strains the grid but also increases fire hazards, as many illegal charging points operate without safety measures.

Experts argue that dedicated fast-charging stations and strict enforcement are crucial to aligning e-rickshaw operations with Delhi’s clean-energy vision. Without intervention, the sector risks becoming a liability rather than an asset in the city’s transition to sustainable transport.