Chapter I

Problem and Its Background

A. Introduction

The demand of electricity increases as day advances. Electric Utility Company are having

large amount of losses due to consumers’ dishonesty. Electricity-theft has been a major challenge

by different countries. It includes unauthorized use of electricity, theft and pilferage. Utility

companies charge these power losses to the consumers. As of 2016, 7.9 % of the distributed

electricity was identified as system losses in Luzon. It is then being charged to the consumers. As

long as the utilities are able to pass on the cost to the consumers, they won’t be financially

motivated to solve the problem of power theft. Normally, it comes down to the government to

place policy measures to tackle with power theft. The illegal usage of electricity must be solved

by electronic means, without any human interaction to reduce operational and labor cost.

The first step to deal with losses from pilferage is to identify the place of origination. This

study aims to detect if there is a presence of power theft on a certain household or area by the data

gathered by the modules. It will alert the consumer to whether cut the load line to prevent any more

pilferage. It will also send an sms to the household as an alert. The device can also transmit the

meter reading on an android application software.

Data from Department of Energy, 2016

B. Objective of the Study:

To develop a prototype of Smart Electricity Theft and Fault Monitoring System.

C. Specific Objectives:

 To notify both the dwelling unit and substations when there is an occurrence of power theft

and electrical fault.

 To determine what kind of fault is present on the load line.

 To monitor your estimated electric bill.

 To cut the load line when power theft is detected.

D. Significance of the Study

The study entitled Smart Electricity Theft and Fault Monitoring System can benefit some

specific and groups of people. They are listed and stated below:

Dwelling Unit. The study can help the consumers determine when someone is stealing

electricity from their load lines. It can also help them monitor their estimated electric bill. The will

also be notified when there is an occurrence of power theft.

Electric Company. The study can help reduce manpower and operational costs.

Other Researchers. Other researchers may find the findings useful as a basis for other

studies. It can serve as a foundation for further research related to the topic.

E. Scopes and Limitations:

The device cannot determine who is “stealing” the electricity. It may also take a lot of time

when implemented on a large scale. It may also cost more for the installation of the proposed

system. The system is only limited to a single-phase electricity distribution system.

F. Features:

 Load Cut- off

 Automated Message Alert

 Power theft location can be identified

 Real time theft monitoring

 Electric bill can be monitored

 Determines if power loss is due to a line fault or power theft

G. Conceptual Framework

Start

Compare the measured

current on the pole side
and meter side

Yes
Is there an Record
inconsistency? customer’s data

No
Determine the Notify the electric
electrical fault station

Notify the
household

Stop Cut load line

 Chapter III

Methodology

A. Research Method Used

Experimental method of research is used in the study. Experimental method is a systematic

and scientific approach to research in which the researcher manipulates on or more variables.

B. Materials

The study requires sensing modules and resistor to detect the total amount of current. The

microcontroller unit decides when to activate the GSM module under the given condition. Leds

will also be used as indicators. A buzzer will be installed for the alert system.

C. Procedure

In constructing the module, the MCU will be connected to the two sensing modules paired

with a resistor. One of the sensing module is applied at the pole side while the other is after the

meter. The GSM module will also be connected to the microcontroller unit. The buzzer will be

installed for an alert.

Set-up:

GSM Module Buzzer

MCU
Energy Meter

Pole Side Output

Sensor Sensor
Energy Meter

Monitor
Data transfer

Backup for Data

Database
Data Computing Data Processing Notification Alerts to dwelling unit

Notification Alerts to Substations