Illegal electricity scheme in Viranşehir caught by drone inspection

Dicle Elektrik has increased its inspections regarding illegal electricity usage during the agricultural irrigation season. During checks conducted with AI-supported drones in the Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa, 62 unregistered illegal transformers with a total capacity of 7,820 kVA were detected. An application has been made to the prosecutor's office for the seizure of the transformers, which have the capacity to meet the daily energy needs of 5,500 households.

Serving in six provinces in the Southeastern Anatolia Region with the goal of loss-free, uninterrupted, and high-quality energy distribution, Dicle Elektrik continues its fight against illegal electricity usage through technological infrastructure and field inspections. In this context, during inspections conducted in Viranşehir with AI-supported drones to protect energy supply security and prevent the impact of illegal consumption on the grid, 62 unregistered illegal transformers used for agricultural irrigation with a total capacity of 7,820 kVA were identified. It was also determined that these transformers have a capacity equivalent to the daily energy needs of 5,500 households.

In field scans carried out with drones deployed after AI-based analyses, it was determined that the smallest of the identified illegal transformers had a capacity of 100 kVA, while the largest had 250 kVA. Examinations revealed that these transformers were generally used for the illegal irrigation of wheat and cotton fields ranging from 50 to 400 dönüms. The use of this capacity, which could meet the energy needs of thousands of households, for illegal irrigation poses a serious risk in terms of both energy supply and grid security.

''POSES A SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY SAFETY''

Dicle Elektrik officials pointed out that the unregistered transformers used for illegal electricity consumption place a heavy load on the energy grid. The officials stated, "Unregistered illegal electricity usage negatively affects energy quality and prevents other subscribers from receiving uninterrupted energy. Furthermore, since these systems lack grounding and protection relays, they pose a serious risk to life and property safety as they carry the risk of causing fires and fatal accidents."

APPLICATION MADE TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FOR ILLEGAL TRANSFORMERS

It was reported that the file prepared with video footage obtained from drones and other documents has been submitted to the prosecutor's office by Dicle Elektrik lawyers. While it was stated that the legal process for the seizure of the unregistered transformers has been initiated, it was noted that the company will continue its inspections to prevent illegal consumption throughout the agricultural irrigation season using technological means.

Dicle Elektrik officials also emphasized that it is no longer possible to hide illegal electricity usage with current technological capabilities. Stating that AI-based analysis systems, drone and satellite-supported inspections, and remote meter management applications are being used effectively in the fight against illegal usage in the region, the officials expressed that thanks to the digital transformation projects carried out, the loss-leakage rate has been reduced from 76 percent to 35 percent.

News Source: 12punto