Data-Driven Machine Learning Methods for Nontechnical Losses of Electrical Energy Detection: A State-of-the-Art Review

Nontechnical losses of electrical energy (NTLEE) have been a persistent issue in both the Russian and global electric power industries since the end of the 20th century. Every year, these losses result in tens of billions of dollars in damages. Promptly identifying unscrupulous consumers can prevent the onset of NTLEE sources, substantially reduce the amount of NTLEE and economic damages to network grids, and generally improve the economic climate. The contemporary advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence facilitate the identification of NTLEE sources through anomaly detection in energy consumption data. This article aims to analyze the current efficacy of computational methods in locating, detecting, and identifying nontechnical losses and their origins, highlighting the application of neural network technologies. Our research indicates that nearly half of the recent studies on identifying NTLEE sources (41%) employ neural networks. The most utilized tools are convolutional networks and autoencoders, the latter being recognized for their high-speed performance. This paper discusses the main metrics and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of NTLEE identification utilized in training and testing phases. Additionally, it explores the sources of initial data, their composition, and their impact on the outcomes of various algorithms.