Proven Columbia Framework for Reduction of Theft and Loss of Electricity

Theft of electricity is a widespread global issue, costing services about $ 100 billion a year and straining energy infrastructure worldwide. From interference with meters to dangerous tapping in high voltage power lines, the methods used to steal electricity vary in complexity and risk. Countries like Brazil, India, Jamaica and even parts of the European Union face significant non-technical losses that undermine income, disrupt markets and present security risks. While thefts are often driven by economic difficulties and lack of access, simply penalizing offenders fails to address the essential causes, especially seeing that there is also a resulting economic burden to pay for electricity consumers. On the contrary, proven models for combating the theft of electricity focus on integrating vulnerable network communities through innovative policies, technological interventions and sustainable price structures that promote compliance in providing power supply.

Treating the theft of electricity with a holistic strategy

ENERIS, a Colombian Electricity Distribution Company, achieved significant success in reducing electricity theft by implementing a comprehensive strategic model that addressed different aspects of its operations. According to the 2009 World Bank report, the reduction of technical and non-technical losses in the energy sector, the company’s access was multi-dimensional, regulatory, trade management, technical improvements, community engagement, information technology and punitive actions. Through these combined actions, Eneris not only reduced the theft, but also ensured the long -term sustainability of its operations. This model offers valuable knowledge that can be repeated in other countries that face similar challenges.

As a background, Codensa is a Colombian company that distributes and sells electricity and is part of the ENEL group through Eneresis. Since the lack of and privatization of vertically integrated services of Bogotá vertically integrated in 1998, Codensa, now part of the Enel group through Eneresis, has significantly reduced power losses in its distribution network. According to the Q3 report to Enel Columbia, since September 2024, the energy loss index was at 7.55%, marking a steady decrease in total losses of 22% recorded in 1997. This improvement is mainly attributed to aggressive energy recovery initiatives aimed at non-technological losses. Only between January and September 2024, Codensa recovered 128 GWh of previously unregistered consumption through target interventions, including 109,594 technical inspections.

This article will further explore the comprehensive framework that facilitated the tremendous reduction of energy losses, underlining the main strategies that contributed to this success. The company systematically addressed technical and non-technical losses through a strong regulatory framework, increasing trade management practices and using advanced technology. Moreover, the right tariff structures and community engagement initiatives, legal implementation and IT -led monitoring further emphasized access which can serve as a model for electricity distribution companies that seek to improve financial efficiency and sustainability.

Strengthening Electricity Governance through Regulatory Frame

At the heart of this model was a cooperative approach to adjustment. The company worked closely with the political authorities and the sector regulator to ensure that the tariff structure was both financially and equal. They focused on tariff rates that reflected the costs of efficient supply by providing fair prices for consumers and maintaining quality standards of service. According to the report, one of their main strategies was to generate funds to subsidize low -income customers through various remedies, including target tariff fees and government subsidies. This framework not only lowered the theft of electricity making electricity more affordable, but also approximated the financial interests of all stakeholders, promoting a more efficient system in general.

Improving electricity measurement and billing through commercial management

On the commercial side, Eneris managed measurement, billing and collections with a sharp concentration in lowering losses. The company’s integral approach included implementing customer service policies and creating awareness programs to educate clients on the importance of paying electricity as a trading good. Moreover, they increased the number of contact points for customer service, ensuring that the company was more accessible and responsible for customers. This proactive approach prompted a better relationship with clients, which played a crucial role in reducing cases of non -payment and confusion. Implementation of communication programs also provided customers with transparent information about their rights and obligations, empowering them to make informed decisions about their electricity consumption.

Strengthening of Electricity Infrastructure

From the technical point of view, Eneresis made significant investments in the construction of distribution networks that were less sensitive to interruption and irregular connections. According to the report, the company also conducted systematic field assessments to detect illegal links and damaged meters, as well as unqualified customers. An apparent initiative was to install closed boxes to ensure that the meters cannot deal with it. This proactive monitoring, accompanied by regular inspections of the operating status of the seal, effectively inhibited the theft of electricity making it harder for consumers to be involved in illegal activities.

Promoting a culture of electricity responsibility through community engagement

Community engagement played a key role in the ENERIS strategy. The company made efforts to directly connect with local communities and leaders, creating awareness of the importance of rationalizing electricity consumption and the consequences of theft. ENERSIS designed campaigns to promote regular payment of electricity bills, storing electrical infrastructure and safe practices to avoid accidents. These field programs, especially those aimed at children in low -income families, helped raise a responsible energy consumption culture, further discouraging theft and promoting a more positive relationship between the company and its clients.

Use technology to combat electricity theft

Including information technology was another key element of the energy access to reduce electricity theft. The company implemented management information systems (MIS) to support commercial and technical functions, enabling the most effective monitoring of electricity use and consumer models. Automated metering equipment was progressively applied to large and medium customers, while systematic field actions were taken to address irregularities detected through commercial MIS. Moreover, Eneris regularly updated its databases, providing sustainability with the physical reality of electricity consumption, which allowed the company to quickly identify and address irregular service conditions. Its integration into their operations was useful in improving the efficiency and accuracy of efforts to reduce the loss of the company.

Legal measures and implementation: Strengthening fines of the theft of electricity

Eneris also understood the importance of punitive actions to ensure that the fight against the theft of electricity remained effective. According to the report, the company collaborated with the Department of Justice to take legal action against major offenders, especially large customers involved in the theft of electricity. The publication of cases of theft, especially those involving prominent social figures, helped create social punishment and acted as an obstacle for potential offenders. By combining legal measures with community -based educational campaigns and transparent information, Eneresis was able to significantly reduce electricity theft by increasing the overall customer experience. The company’s strategy not only addressed immediate losses, but also prompted a long -term shift in consumer behavior, which is essential to the sustainability of any power distribution system.

A holistic model for preventing electricity theft

The ENERIS MODEL for reducing electricity theft provides a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that has proven successful in minimizing technical and non-technical losses. This framework is built on six main pillars: regulation, trade management, technical improvements, community engagement, IT and data analytics, and legal implementation. Through cooperation with policymakers to impose fair tariffs and financial incentives, companies can create a sustainable price facility. Strengthening billing systems, improving customer service and improving confidence and communication compliance. Technical updates, such as network reinforcement, field audits and secured meters, minimize weaknesses. Community engagement initiatives educate the public, promote awareness and build long -term responsibilities. The use of smart meters and data -driven monitoring increases operational efficiency, while strict legal implementation, including penalties and prosecutions, serves as a powerful prevention. This holistic approach provides a sustainable, secure and efficient system of electricity distribution.

Strategies used by the Enerns can serve as a valuable plan for other countries such as Jamaica seeking to treat the theft of electricity, demonstrating the importance of a holistic approach, with many directions that combine technology, regulation, community involvement and legal action.

This article is part of a series of electricity theft. For further knowledge, see:
1. Theft of Electricity: Economic burden risks and sustainability

2. Losses of power plants and that: Treatment of inefficiency for durability

3. Economic and social dimensions of electricity theft

4. Proven strategy to combat electricity theft: Brazil’s model