Tackling Electricity Theft in Developing Nations: Innovative Solutions for a Persistent Problem

In developing countries, there is a serious shortage of electricity, primarily due to a lack of access to technology and resources. This scarcity forces network companies to regulate the supply of electricity, leading to periodic outages.

However, another significant problem remains unresolved: illegal connections to local networks, commonly known as “hooking.” This involves individuals illegally connecting to network cables to access electricity without payment. While the illegal use of electricity is problematic, the consequences are far-reaching. Consumers using free electricity lack the incentive to use it rationally, leading to excessive and wasteful consumption. This behavior places an additional load on already strained networks, resulting in frequent outages and increased costs for legitimate consumers.

As a sample, in one country Pakistan there are 1,228,378 progressive electricity theft cases that were detected during the last three years (July 2021 to April 2024). According to official data, the company detected 455,901 power theft cases during the period of July 2021-June 2022, 483,050 cases during July 2022-June 2023 and 289,427 cases during July 2023-April 2024. The power pilferers were charged 336.434 million units, 312.202 million and 146.912 million units respectively during the said period.

Efforts to combat this phenomenon by physically removing illegal connections have proven ineffective, as these connections are quickly re-established. This raises an important question: are there technological solutions, such as special cable sheaths, that could prevent illegal connections and provide relief to network companies?

Innovative solutions are needed to address this persistent issue. Special cable sheaths, designed to deter illegal connections, could be a game-changer. These sheaths would make it more difficult to hook onto cables, reducing unauthorized access and encouraging more rational use of electricity. Implementing such technology could significantly alleviate the load on networks, improve the reliability of electricity supply, and lower costs for paying consumers.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of electricity theft in developing countries requires a combination of regulatory measures and technological innovations. By exploring and implementing advanced solutions, we can mitigate the impact of illegal connections, ensure more stable electricity supply, and support the sustainable development of these nations.