Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company

Celal Ateşşahin; Hüseyin Acar; Cem Haydaroglu

doi:10.67047/tepes.1990536

Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company

Abstract

Non-technical losses (NTL) in electricity distribution networks are not only a economic and commercial issue but also a critical engineering problem that shortens the life of network equipment, degrades power quality, and threatens system reliability. In cases where individual subscriber consumption data is inaccessible or privacy constraints exist, detecting illegal usage poses a significant challenge. The main objective of this study is to empirically prove that macro-level electrical anomalies carry the characteristics of non-technical losses by using the Automated Meter Reading System (AMR) secondary data belonging to a specific distribution transformer located in the responsibility area of Dicle Electricity Distribution Corporation. Within the scope of the study; load profiles, power factor collapses, net reactive power asymmetry, inter-phase current-voltage unbalances, and voltage sags were analyzed in depth. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that uncompensated and single-phase loaded illegal usages reduce the power factor of the transformer to dangerous levels, create severe phase asymmetry causing overloads on the neutral line, and push voltage profiles out of standards. The findings demonstrate that without direct household-based data, non-technical losses can be detected with high accuracy by processing macro anomalies solely in transformer output parameters using statistical analysis methods.

Keywords

Thanks

The authors gratefully acknowledge Dicle Electric Distribution Company / Dicle Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş. for providing the data that supported the preparation of this manuscript.

References

D. Carr and M. Thomson, "Non-Technical Electricity Losses," Energies, vol. 15, no. 6, Art. no. 2218, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15062218.
World Bank Group, "Reducing Technical and Non-Technical Losses in the Power Sector," Background Paper, 2009. [Online]. Available: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/829751468326689826.
CEER, "An Update on Technical and Non-technical Losses Overview on Power Losses," C17-EQS-80-03 report, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.ceer.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CEER-Report-on-Power-Losses.pdf.
Sohn Associates, "Electricity Distribution Systems Losses: Non-Technical Overview," Ofgem Report, 2009. [Online]. Available: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2009/05/sohn-overview-of-losses-final-internet-version.pdf.
F. S. Savian, J. C. M. Siluk, T. B. Garlet, F. M. do Nascimento, J. R. Pinheiro, and Z. Vale, "Non-technical losses: A systematic contemporary article review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 147, Art. no. 111205, 2021. 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111205.
World Bank Group, "Electrokit-Power-Utility-Toolkit-Electricity-Loss-Reduction," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Electrokit-Power-Utility-Toolkit-Electricity-Loss-Reduction.pdf.
MEDREG, "An Update on Technical and Non-technical Losses," CUS WG Report, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.medreg-regulators.org/PG/Pubdetail.aspx-?IDUNI=apeams3q1ilzw2i4lhdz0qfn1827&MDId=8291&RAE=8292;3;;4506-923-2026.3.11;-1;4506;&Skeda=MODIF4506-923-2026.3.11.
EIP, "eip124-non-technical-losses," 2023. [Online]. Available: https://smarter.energynetworks.org/media/p23besez/eip124-non-technical-losses.pdf.

T.C. Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK), "2022 Yılı Elektrik Piyasası Gelişim Raporu," Strateji Geliştirme Dairesi Başkanlığı, Ankara, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/DownloadDocument?id=QyyeSjkWSIY=.
TEDAŞ, "2024 Yılı Türkiye Elektrik Dağıtımı Sektör Raporu," Strateji Geliştirme Dairesi Başkanlığı, Ankara, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.tedas.gov.tr/FileUpload/MediaFolder/ff204253-90d1-4560-8946-cdc529dceff2.pdf.
World Bank, "Türkiye Cumhuriyeti: Elektrik Dağıtım Şirketlerinin Hizmet Kalitesinin İyileştirilmesine Yönelik Adımlar," Report No: ACS20668, Nov. 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.esmap.org/sites/default/files/esmap-files/ACS20668-REVISED-PUBLIC-TURKISH-TCDISKOMENprintrevtiresiz.pdf.
T.C. Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK), "2023 Yılı Elektrik Piyasası Gelişim Raporu," Strateji Geliştirme Dairesi Başkanlığı, Ankara, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/DownloadDocument?id=fx+hB3E2Cns=.
M. S. Saeed, M. W. Mustafa, U. U. Sheikh, T. A. Jumani, and N. H. Mirjat, "Detection of Non-Technical Losses in Power Utilities—A Comprehensive Systematic Review," Energies, vol. 13, no. 18, Art. no. 4727, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184727.
T.C. Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK), "2024 Yılı Elektrik Piyasası Gelişim Raporu," Strateji Geliştirme Dairesi Başkanlığı, Ankara, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/DownloadDocument?id=fANZARDA1UU=.
C. Yaşar, Y. Aslan, and T. Biçer, "Bir Dağıtım Tranformatörü Bölgesindeki Kayıpların İncelenmesi," DPÜ Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, no. 22, pp. 9-22, 2010. https://izlik.org/JA39EG62ZY.
S. Marşıl, C. Haydaroğlu, and H. Kılıç, "Analysis and Assessment of Flicker in Electric Power Systems," MAUN J. of Sci., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 311-317, 2025. https://doi.org/10.18586/msufbd.1736889.
L. Kılıç, G. Dural, M. Uzala, F. Mutlu, A. Kayar, S. Şükrüoğlu, and M. Çetinkaya, "Harmoniklerin Endüstriyel Güç Kalitesi ve Enerji Verimliliğine Etkisi Üzerine Bir Saha İncelemesi ve Uygulaması," Trakya Univ J Eng Sci, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 73-84, 2022. https://izlik.org/JA64ST23NR.
O. D. Toklu and N. Vardar, "HPLC ile teknik olmayan elektrik kayıplarının azaltılmasında etki skoru geliştirme ve istatistiksel karşılaştırma: Türkiye'den bir saha analizi," Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 1036-1054, 2025. https://doi.org/10.17714/gumusfenbil.1675745.
F. Tarhan and B. Kocaman, "Elektrik Dağıtım Şebekelerinde Harici Faz veya Harici Nötr Durumlarında Teknik Olmayan Kayıpların Mikro Kontrol Sistemi İle Tespiti," Rahva Teknik ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 59-68, 2024. https://izlik.org/JA98EH69RA.
H. Karamollaoğlu, "DENTELNet: Teknik olmayan elektrik kayıplarının tespiti için yeni bir hibrit derin öğrenme yöntemi," BAUN Fen Bil. Enst. Dergisi, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 81-98, 2026. https://doi.org/10.25092/baunfbed.1627699.
Shehzad F, Ullah Z, Alhussein M, Aurangzeb K and Aslam S (2023) Deep learning-based meta-learner strategy for electricity theft detection. Front. Energy Res. 11:1232930. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2023.1232930.
Zafar, M. H., Bukhari, S. M. S., Abou Houran, M., Moosavi, S. K. R., Mansoor, M., Al-Tawalbeh, N., & Sanfilippo, F. (2023). Step towards secure and reliable smart grids in Industry 5.0: A federated learning assisted hybrid deep learning model for electricity theft detection using smart meters. Energy Reports, 10, 3001-3019. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.09.100.
Iftikhar, H., Khan, N., Raza, M. A., Abbas, G., Khan, M., Aoudia, M., & Emara, A. (2024). Electricity theft detection in smart grid using machine learning. Frontiers in Energy Research, 12, 1383090. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2024.1383090.
Hashim, M., Khan, L., Javaid, N., Ullah, Z., & Javed, A. (2024). Stacked machine learning models for non-technical loss detection in smart grid: A comparative analysis. Energy Reports, 12, 1235-1253. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.06.015.
Alshehri, A., Badr, M. M., Baza, M., & Alshahrani, H. (2024). Deep anomaly detection framework utilizing federated learning for electricity theft zero-day cyberattacks. Sensors, 24(10), 3236.doi: 10.3390/s24103236.
Nwafor, O., Nwafor, C., Aboushady, A., & Solyman, A. (2024). Reducing non-technical losses in electricity distribution networks: Leveraging explainable AI and three lines of defence model to manage operational staff-related factors. e-Prime-Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy, 9, 100748.doi: 10.1016/j.prime.2024.100748.
Wen, H., Liu, X., Lei, B., Yang, M., Cheng, X., & Chen, Z. (2025). A privacy-preserving heterogeneous federated learning framework with class imbalance learning for electricity theft detection. Applied Energy, 378, 124789. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124789.
Le, T. D., Duy, N. T. M., Huy, T. H. B., Van Phu, P., Doan, H. T., & Kim, D. (2025). Advanced deep learning-based electricity theft detection in smart grids using multi-dimensional analysis with Convolutional Autoencoder and Transformer. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 157, 111333. doi: 10.1016/j.engappai.2025.111333.
S. H. Ju and H. S. Seo, "Design Key Management System for DLMS/COSEM Standard-based Smart Metering," International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2018. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.34.19380.
E. Villar-Rodriguez, J. Del Ser, I. Oregi, M. N. Bilbao, and S. Gil-Lopez, "Detection of non-technical losses in smart meter data based on load curve profiling and time series analysis," Energy, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.07.008.
S. S. S. R. Depuru, L. Wang, and V. Devabhaktuni, "Electricity theft: Overview, issues, prevention and a smart meter based approach to control theft," Energy Policy, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.11.037.
S. C. Yip, W. N. Tan, C. Tan, M. T. Gan, and K. Wong, "An anomaly detection framework for identifying energy theft and defective meters in smart grids," Int. Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.03.025
G. S. Wojichowski, C. D. P. Crovato, and R. C. Leborgne, "Short Time Voltage Variations Analysis for the new Brazilian Distribution Procedures (PRODIST) and for the IEC 61000-4-30," Renewable Energy and Power Quality Journal, 2013. https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj11.379.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Electrical Energy Transmission, Networks and Systems

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Celal Ateşşahin
0000-0002-7375-1329
Türkiye

Hüseyin Acar
0000-0001-5127-4632
Türkiye

Cem Haydaroglu ^*
0000-0003-0830-5530
Türkiye

Publication Date

October 27, 2026

Submission Date

July 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67047/tepes.1990536

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA98FY39CM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Ateşşahin, C., Acar, H., & Haydaroglu, C. (2026). Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 6(3), 216-230. https://doi.org/10.67047/tepes.1990536

AMA

1.Ateşşahin C, Acar H, Haydaroglu C. Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company. TEPES. 2026;6(3):216-230. doi:10.67047/tepes.1990536

Chicago

Ateşşahin, Celal, Hüseyin Acar, and Cem Haydaroglu. 2026. “Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 6 (3): 216-30. https://doi.org/10.67047/tepes.1990536.

EndNote

Ateşşahin C, Acar H, Haydaroglu C (October 1, 2026) Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 6 3 216–230.

IEEE

[1]C. Ateşşahin, H. Acar, and C. Haydaroglu, “Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company”, TEPES, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 216–230, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.67047/tepes.1990536.

ISNAD

Ateşşahin, Celal - Acar, Hüseyin - Haydaroglu, Cem. “Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 6/3 (October 1, 2026): 216-230. https://doi.org/10.67047/tepes.1990536.

JAMA

1.Ateşşahin C, Acar H, Haydaroglu C. Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company. TEPES. 2026;6:216–230.

MLA

Ateşşahin, Celal, et al. “Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 6, no. 3, Oct. 2026, pp. 216-30, doi:10.67047/tepes.1990536.

Vancouver

1.Celal Ateşşahin, Hüseyin Acar, Cem Haydaroglu. Impact of Non-Technical Losses on The Electricity Grid in Smart Grids: The Case of Dicle Electric Ditribution Company. TEPES. 2026 Oct. 1;6(3):216-30. doi:10.67047/tepes.1990536