Smart Energy Management in Pakistan: Advanced Prepaid Meters with PLC Modems and Wireless Technology for Theft Detection

Abstract

In the face of rising electricity theft and inefficient energy management in developing countries like Pakistan, the implementation of advanced metering systems has become crucial. This research explores the integration of prepaid energy meters with Power Line Communication (PLC) modems and wireless technology to enhance energy management and detect theft in Pakistan’s power sector. Prepaid Energy Meter with theft detection based on PLC modem and wireless network will boost the management of cash flow in energy expenditure, minimize bill trouble for customers and minimize the employment of manpower to take meter readings. This paper describes the architecture of this device that is capable of tracking the energy used every day, so theft is not likely. This system allow users to use electricity within their home when the user's prepaid account includes a certain prepaid package. It can also calculate the total energy used in Kilo-Watt-Hour readings per day and per month, and the remaining sum of prepaid units. This system will make users pay for the electricity before it is consumed. Units are purchased using GSM technology and deducted according to energy consumption. Once the prepaid unit are larger than or exceed a convinced amount later than utilize, a message sent to remind the customer about the status of their connection will be sent by the device via mobile phone. The findings indicate that the combination of prepaid energy metering, PLC modems, and wireless technology can significantly reduce energy theft, improve billing accuracy, and optimize overall energy distribution, making it a promising solution for modernizing Pakistan’s power sector.