Assessment of the Non-Technical Loss in Electric Power System of Isabela II Electric Cooperative (ISELCO II)

Abstract

Non-technical loss (NTL) is one of the problems in distribution utilities and electric cooperatives, comprising electricity theft, malfunction or broken meters, and arranging false meter readings. This paper assessed the level of electricity fraud activity in the Isabela Electric II Cooperative (ISELCO II) system and helped identify and detect non-technical loss activities and abnormalities. Findings of the study revealed that the forms and natures of practice of non-technical loss (NTL) in ISELCO II are jumpering, direct tapping, tampered meter, broken glass, defective meter, tilting of meter, and separate grounding. The study utilized mixed-method research, and an interview method was conducted to support the quantitative data gathered from the cooperative. The findings further revealed that the two primary sources of NTL are the kWhr meter and the billing procedure. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the relationship between the cooperative's reported non-technical losses (NTL) and the measurement of the monthly power rate per kilo-watt-hour (kWh) consumed by the customers. The results showed that as non-technical losses increase, the monthly power rate per kWh increases. Hence, there is a direct effect of NTL on the monthly bill the consumer pays off. Likewise, the t-test revealed that the non-technical loss and technical loss have no significant relationship with each other despite their nature. The increasing number of people involved in electricity theft has a direct impact on consumers and the system of ISELCO II.