Minimizing Electricity Theft Using IOT

Electricity theft is a major issue for utility companies globally, resulting in revenue loss, higher operating expenses, and degraded system dependability. Traditional techniques of detecting and preventing theft frequently fail owing to their narrow scope and reactive nature. In recent years, the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has opened up new options for efficiently tackling this issue. This study provides a complete solution to reducing power theft by integrating IoT devices and sophisticated analytics. Utility companies may collect real-time data on energy usage trends and detect inconsistencies that indicate theft or manipulation by installing energy metres with sensors and communication capabilities. These energy metres continually monitor numerous characteristics like as voltage, current, and power factor, allowing for early detection of suspect activities. Furthermore, the use of IoT-enabled distribution transformers and power cables improves the identification and location of theft hot areas. By monitoring characteristics such as line losses, load imbalance, and unauthorised connections, utilities may identify high-risk regions for theft and prioritise enforcement operations appropriately.