5-Hz Distribution System for Mitigation of Energy Theft by Residential Consumers

Abstract

Energy theft through meter bypass by residential consumers constitutes significant revenue loss to electric power distribution companies. This unpleasant phenomenon is particularly worrisome in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia. This paper reports the outcome of a study that attempts to develop a modified distribution and metering system to demotivate energy theft by residential consumers. The project involves modeling and simulating a 5-Hz distribution system in SimPowerSystems. The developed system is then implemented using laboratory-scale power electronics components. The modified distribution system is thereafter interfaced with a modified digital consumer energy meter. The system is subsequently tested by deploying it to power two categories of lighting loads. The test results show that one category of lighting load flickers while the other category is non-operational whenever the proposed system is bypassed, though the power remains available. This is expected to demotivate the practice of energy theft through meter bypass. Thus, it is further expected that the proposed system will mitigate revenue loss by power distribution companies, thereby stimulating investments in the sub-sector.