Smart Grids: Towards an amended two point measuring hardware based non-technical loss detection method for South African municipalities’ electricity prepayment residential consumers

Energy losses, due to theft, within the South African electricity distribution networks are adding up to millions of kilowatt hours unaccounted for yearly. With many municipal consumers still having electricity meters within the boundary of their property and the energy theft methods becoming more sophisticated, e.g. partially bypassing electricity meters or ghost vending, the conventional Two Point Measuring Hardware Based non-technical loss detection (NTLD) method can still be implemented as a cost-effective solution within the South African municipal space, but with some amendments. The focus area of this research is on how to amend the conventional Two Point Measuring Hardware Based NTLD method by leveraging on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions, in conjunction with existing billing and vending systems. This paper presents the hypothesis that if South African municipalities augment their current distribution networks with a strategically and temporarily placed AMI solution that is integrated with existing billing and vending systems, it is possible to detect the location of the origin of complex non-technical losses instances. The key findings of the research suggest that by strategically and temporarily utilizing an AMI solution integrated with existing billing and vending systems, the conventional two point measurement hardware based NTLD methods can be successfully amended to achieve the desired outcome, despite the existing challenges.