Dj. Taniguevelane^1,, Dr. K. N. Srinivas²

Energy theft is a widespread problem results in loss to the utilities and affects the financial viability of utilities. Hence utilities strive for minimization of theft by carrying out various reform projects. Smart meters, AMI and Theft localization algorithms are some of the tools which will enable them to meet the challenge. Many techniques/algorithms are available for theft localization and each of them requires distinct data such as Historic consumption patterns, Network parameter etc. The effectiveness of theft localization depends on the accuracy of input data. The network parameter data of the service line of the consumers is one of the data required for some of the theft localization algorithms which itself is difficult to measure due to the fact that those are laid underground or inside the buildings. This paper analyses some of the theft detection algorithms and its limitations for applying to the LT distribution network and proposes an algorithm to localize the theft using the distance measurement feature of the PLC signals used in smart meters in addition to the communication function. This paper also analyses the effectiveness of the theft localization using the network data obtained with the proposed algorithm.

pilferage of energy, localization, non-technical losses, smart meters, AMI, PLC