1School of Engineering and Information Technology, Sanskriti University, Mathura
Electricity Theft is one of the most serious problems in the Indian Electrical power distribution sector. Some of these methods are meter tampering, direct hooking, tampering in billing and illegal use of subsidized connections. This is reflected in the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses which on average are still well above international benchmarks even after years of reform. The paper discusses the major techniques and reasons for power theft in India, statistically proves the scale of power theft in the states and analyses the economic, social and technical implications of power theft for the distribution companies (DISCOMs) and the consumers. It also covers the legal framework under Electricity Act, 2003, government schemes such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and emerging technological counter measures such as smart metering and AI-based alteration detection. The paper concludes with a recommendation for a combination of technological modernization, regulatory enforcement and social intervention to bring about a sustained reduction in theft related losses.
power theft, electricity theft, AT&C losses, DISCOM, smart meter, energy security, India
