DVVNL acknowledges that more instances of power theft occur among residential customers, but says that the sheer volumes of energy stolen by industrial companies makes the installation worthwhile.
The new system reads the meters remotely using an RF signal on a customized handheld unit, and the data thus obtained is downloaded to a server which develops the customer’s energy consumption profile. Meters can be read from a distance of over 100 yards, which means that company owners are not aware of the reading and are unable to take steps to hide any evidence of tampering. The system also allows for better personal security on the part of DVVNL’s staff.
Trials are already taking place, with some 2,000 meters installed in DVVNL’s industrial customers’ premises. If successful the distribution company will consider extending the system to read residential meters too.
