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Chicory SA | General Manager

Apr 1, 2019 | All Categories, Client Testimonials

“We got Republic Metering involved to help us understand how the municipality was billing us for our electricity usage.  With their involvement, we discovered that we had been over-billed for quite some times and they helped facilitate the correction as well as the credit. Without the data we have been able to extract using Republic Metering’s system, we could never have hoped to be in the position we are in now. It’s shown its value without a doubt.”

Tony Swift

General Manager, Chicory SA

What is electricity meter bypassing?

Meter bypassing occurs when a person illegally changes the electrical installation so that some or all electricity flows around the meter instead of through it. This allows electricity to be consumed without being recorded or paid for.

How common is meter bypassing?

Meter bypassing is one of the most common forms of electricity theft worldwide. It can occur in residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-tenant properties.

Can a smart meter detect a bypass?

Many modern smart meters can identify abnormal consumption patterns that may indicate a bypass. Advanced systems can generate alerts when usage suddenly drops, remains unusually low, or differs significantly from historical consumption.

How does a smart metering system identify suspicious activity?

Smart metering platforms monitor data continuously and can flag:

              • Sudden decreases in consumption
              • Extended periods of zero usage
              • Consumption patterns inconsistent with occupancy
              • Differences between bulk meter readings and sub-meter readings
              • Unusual changes in load profiles

Can smart meters prove that theft has occurred?

A smart meter can provide evidence suggesting a possible bypass, but physical inspection by a qualified electrician is usually required to confirm theft and identify how the bypass was implemented.

Why is smart metering more effective than manual meter reading?

Traditional monthly readings provide only a snapshot in time. Smart metering creates a continuous record of consumption, making unusual behaviour much easier to identify and investigate.