Non-Technical Electricity Losses

Non-technical loss of electricity (comprising theft, fraud, non-payment and billing irregularities) is a significant issue, particularly in developing countries, represents large financial burden on utility companies, governments society as whole. This paper takes wholistic global view the challenge provides broad perspective interrelated issues. Media reports public perception non-technical losses tend to focus residential consumers, those with limited resources, whereas review more robust literature indicates that largest proportion often due industry, state-owned enterprises relatively well-off consumers. Measures reduce focusing average such pre-paid metering, therefore have effect overall losses. Strengthening legal regulatory frameworks, regard larger users, installing high security tamper-resistant metering systems for commercial consumers may effect. The reasons losses, especially are complex, but customer–utility relationship key determinant. Improvement this through local participation development renewable energy schemes, rooftop solar photovoltaics, could bring benefit if challenges financing, design distribution system, company codes standards competence post installation maintenance can be overcome.