Development of a Real-Time Electricity Meter Monitoring with Theft Detection Alert System

Abstract

Rising concerns from both electricity consumers and electric distributors have highlighted the importance of monitoring electric power consumption. Thus, this study explores the creation of a Real-Time Electricity Meter Monitoring with Theft Detection Alert System. This system employs two current sensors and an Arduino Microcontroller to achieve real-time monitoring of electricity consumers’ power usage. An unauthorized tap is indicated by a variance in readings between the two sensors, while the overall power consumption is calculated using the second sensor’s data. The integration of a GSM module enables the microcontroller to convey actual consumption information and an alert of unauthorized tapping to electricity consumers. Acting as an interface for electricity consumers, an Android application was implemented. Notably, this system is adaptable for both residential and commercial electricity consumers. The collected data demonstrated a 95% accuracy rate in calculating power consumption and a 100% success rate in identifying unauthorized taps.