Smart Power Theft Detection using Arduino and GSM Module

Abstract

Power theft is a criminal practice. Power thievery has become a critical problem in today’s electrical power system. It results in huge economic losses and also leads to irregularity in the power distribution system. This issue is more profound in developing countries as they are high populated. In highly populated country like India where power necessity is being consistently rising, power theft is a very severe problem. Presently 16.6% of the total power generation in India is being robbed which brings down the total revenue of the power generating companies. Power theft is needed to be eliminated. It is very inconvenient to check power meters door to door. This paper suggests a method to monitor and keep a check over power theft using microcontroller Arduino uno board and GSM module. Whenever there will be any disturbance in power or tampering of energy meter an alert message will be conveyed to the authorities and the power will be tripped off. The system comprises of current transformers connected between the poles, lines and houses to detect the power flow disturbance and various relay modules are also connected to the line to cut-off the supply when the thievery is detected.