A Comparative Study of the Use of Analog and Digital Kwh Meters In Detecting Electricity Fraud in the PLN Langsa Kota Ulp Area

Abstract

Electricity fraud is one of the main factors causing non-technical energy losses in the electricity distribution system. One effort to reduce the potential for such fraud is the use of more accurate electricity meters equipped with better security systems. This study aims to analyze the comparison between the use of analog kWh meters and digital kWh meters in detecting electricity fraud in the service area of PT. PLN (Persero) ULP Langsa Kota. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive method, analyzing data from inspections of customers suspected of violating electricity usage regulations. The research sample consists of 40 customers, including 20 customers using analog kWh meters and 20 customers using digital kWh meters. The analysis focuses on the types of violations, energy discrepancies, follow-up bills, and the level of non-technical energy loss. The results of the study indicate that fraud methods among customers using analog meters are generally carried out by bypassing the meter and manipulating terminals on the limiting and measuring devices (APP). Meanwhile, with digital meters, fraud is more commonly committed by directly connecting the electrical installation before the limiting and measuring devices. The analysis of energy loss shows that the average energy loss reaches 10.67%, which is still higher than PLN’s target of 9.15%. The use of digital kWh meters has proven capable of improving the accuracy of electricity measurement and reducing direct manipulation of the measuring devices