GIS mapping, smart meters to check power theft

The government is planning to introduce Geographic Information Systems mapping, smart meters and separate feeders for farmers across the country to check pilferage and to aggregate technical and commercial losses of power.

The 11th Plan approach paper, which in a nutshell gives some broad inputs for the Plan document, speaks of replicating the Gujarat example and introducing GIS mapping for the entire country to specifically find out the flow of electricity, a Planning Commission official said.

AT&C losses are to the tune of at least Rs 30,000 crore per year. Actual losses could be even higher, the official said.

"In some cities of Gujarat, through GIS mapping they have been able to track which customer is connected to which pole. This can be replicated in other places and we will know exactly where the power is flowing," said the official.