Non-technical losses

Non-technical losses represent energy that is consumed but not properly measured or accounted for. They are caused by factors that are external to the network and reflect energy lost that is not directly related to the distribution of electricity and independent of the physical characteristics of the network and its components.

This type of loss involves the abstraction of electricity via theft and data issues with unmetered supply equipment inventories or records held by electricity suppliers, adding to the costs as seen by legitimate customers, and possibly creating dangerous situations.

Non-technical losses cannot be reduced by upgrading equipment or altering network, instead investigations, audits and collaborations with other industry stakeholders is required.