Electricity theft detection system with RF communication between distribution and customer usage

Abstract

Electricity theft is a major challenge that is experienced not only in South Africa, but also in many other countries. This has an adverse effect on a country's economy. This paper discusses a system that detects electricity theft remotely, and a mechanism of curbing electricity theft. The approach used is that the electric current supplied from a distribution transformer is monitored at the distribution transformer side and at the consumer's side, as well. The difference in electrical current monitored from the distribution and consumer sides is used to establish whether electricity theft has occurred or not. The communication between the two monitoring units is based on the use of wireless technology. The reporting of electricity theft is established using the Wi-Fi space.