Detection of Unauthorized Electricity Consumption with a Novel Analytical Approach

Unauthorized electricity consumption poses significant challenges to power distribution systems, causing financial losses and operational inefficiencies. This article proposes a novel analytical approach to detect Unauthorized Consumption, addressing both meter manipulation and complete bypass scenarios. By leveraging smart meter data and calculating transformer parameters such as inner voltage drop and no-load voltage, the method identifies discrepancies indicative of unauthorized consumption. A case study on a feeder in Nikpey, Zanjan Province, demonstrates the approach's effectiveness in highlighting suspicious transformers with inconsistent voltage behavior. The method offers a scalable solution without relying on network topology or continuous monitoring, enhancing unauthorized consumption detection in distribution networks.