Power Theft in South Asia:What we need to address

India is the third-largest electricity producer in world with an installed capacity of 3,46,048 MW. The power sector is a dynamic one in the world expecting unprecedented growth. On the other hand, the sector is crippled with meter tampering, Power theft and wasteful use of electricity. Indian requirements are not limited to  smart grid  alone but a prototype of energy consumption among domestic sector  to make it commercial also.

The growing needs of this sector are many, besides challenges of Renewable energy integration. The electricity available to end user should be affordable and reliable. Pilferage of electricity [Power theft] by various methods of tampering with meters and distribution lines are way of life  in many society in South Asia, a region where Power theft is rampant. Power theft and unproductive utilization of electricity are other apprehensions though losses around  20% is considered as reasonable.

As far as energy efficiency is concerned in Indian residential sector, electricity usage exceeds  development growth in industrial, commercial and agriculture sectors. The domestic consumer sector in India, more and more benefit several contemporary power services such as heating and cooling, efficient cooking, lighting, etc , and expected to cross about 85% of the country’s floor space within 2-3 decades.. This sector needs much attention and may put restriction on already fatigued resources, resulting grave public, local, ecological and climate change-related issues.

The need for a clear course of action and framework needs no over emphasis and should allow the cost of expense on energy efficiency must be recovered.. Investment in energy sector should focus on energy efficiency also and building with energy efficient concept should be brought to reality with more vigor than the present day effort of stake holders. There should be change in policy to support this activity. The energy efficient methodologies should have provision to quantify and penalize if standards are not up to marks.