Description:TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of monitoring Power Distribution System and more particularly to a remote anti-theft supervisory system in a Low tension Power Distribution System.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some unscrupulous consumers steal electricity from the service cable of the utility through direct tapping/hooking or tampering meters. It is very difficult to nab such unscrupulous consumers, owing to lack of evidence, as evidence whatsoever are removed before utility personnel reach the spot. To prevent direct tapping/hooking from the utility service cables, co-axial cables were used. Though co-axial cables prevent direct tapping/hooking to a great extent but the joints and terminations are beyond the ambit of co-axial cables & are therefore vulnerable. Prolific means for preventing meter tampering has yet to be identified.

The document CN202720264 U provides a remote monitoring system for electricity consumption, which includes a first current collecting device installed on the transmission line side for transmitting the collected primary current data to the data recorder, a second current collecting device installed on the user energy meter side is used to send the collected secondary side current data to the data logger, the data logger is coupled to the first current collection device and the second current collection device for receiving the primary Side current data and the secondary side current data, and send an alarm signal when the primary side current data and/or the secondary side current data reach their respective preset thresholds. By adopting the above technical solution provided by this document, a 24-hour uninterrupted online monitoring of a suspected user of electricity stealing is realized, which can promptly and accurately detect whether the suspected user has electricity stealing behavior, and strengthens the management of anti-stealing electricity behaviour.

The document CN202372551 U discloses an intelligent remote inspection device for preventing electricity theft, which includes two parts: a user-side anti-theft electricity mechanism and a main station, a user-side anti-theft electricity mechanism includes a data collector, a magnetic sensor, and processing judgment of the data collector The central processor, communication module and intelligent meter box that send alarms to the main station, the main station is a remote monitoring center or a mobile phone virtual main station. The utility model can prevent new types of power stealing methods such as wireless line interference, high frequency and high voltage, and strong power stealing. Traditional power stealing such as illegally opening the door of the meter box, damaged meter, damaged current transformer, and secondary current loss under voltage and miswiring, there are targeted anti-stealing measures and corresponding solutions to realize the prevention and alarm of various kinds of stolen electricity, power failure and evidence collection.

The document CN103021109 A discloses an anti-theft monitoring system for electric power facilities, which is mainly composed of an outdoor monitoring host, a communication server, a database server, a WEB server, a multi-level alarm receiving host, a user host and a mobile phone terminal. The outdoor terminal is installed on the transformer pole, powered by three-phase alternating current, and connected to various function detection modules. The communication server, database server, and WEB server are located in the monitoring center; outdoor terminals monitor the environmental conditions and various operating parameters of the transformer to ensure the safety of the transformer, and communicate with the communication server of the monitoring center via GPRS wireless Internet access, and keep in touch, management is to communicate with the control center server through the Internet. The system accurately analyzes and judges the situation of personnel approach, equipment vibration, equipment tilt and current and voltage of the transformer, which is suitable for popularization and application.

The document CN103217560 A discloses an anti-theft electricity analyzer, which includes a host, an extension and an alarm device, the host and the extension are connected by wireless communication, the extension is composed of a primary sampling device and an analog-to-digital converter connected to the output of the primary sampling device , composed of a data transmitter connected to the output of the analog-to-digital converter I, the host consists of a secondary sampling device, an analog-to-digital converter II connected to the output of the secondary sampling device, and an output of the analog-to-digital converter II. The connected processing unit is an output display unit connected to the output end of the processing unit, and the input end of the processing unit is also connected to a data receiver and a photoelectric sensor. Because the primary sampling device and the secondary sampling device are used to collect the data on the primary side and the secondary side of the meter respectively, and the data are compared and analyzed, the analysis results indicate whether there is electricity theft, whether the electricity theft occurs in the electricity meter or the cable in front of the electricity meter. The analysis result is accurate, and can report to the police in time, which is convenient and reliable.

The document CN103439550 A discloses an anti-theft device and installation method capable of being installed under power. The device includes a digital recorder, a high-frequency detection module, three high-voltage wireless detection units, three current transformers, a radio frequency antenna and a GPRS antenna, a digital recorder user meter is connected; a high-frequency detection module is connected to the digital recorder; three high voltages The wireless detection unit is connected to the digital recorder; the three current transformers are connected to the digital recorder, the RF antenna and the GPRS antenna are connected to the digital recorder. The anti-stealing device capable of being installed with electricity according to this document can promptly detect the illegal and criminal acts of electricity thieves, and when an abnormal situation is found in the operation of the electricity meter, it can promptly notify the management personnel through SMS or gprs network to remind the grid staff to investigate and deal with in time. Thus, power grid security and social security can be guaranteed.

The document CN109387676 A discloses an anti-theft device based on sensor technology monitoring, including a DSP processor, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a miniature camera, a high-voltage wireless current collection device and a power consumption monitor, and two inputs of the DSP processor. The end is electrically connected to the pyroelectric infrared sensor and the input end of the power supply respectively, the output end of the high-voltage wireless current acquisition device is signal-connected to the input end of the DSP processor, and the input end of the power consumption monitor is connected to the smart meter. The output terminal is electrically connected, and the output terminal of the electrical monitor is signal-connected to the input terminal of the DSP processor, and the output terminal of the DSP processor is signal-connected to the input terminal of the remote monitoring terminal through a wireless communication module. The output of the processor is electrically connected to the protective alarm. it has reasonable design, which can not only monitor the electricity meter for anti-stealing electricity, but also monitor its high-voltage line, and can achieve the purpose of anti-stealing electricity monitoring to the extent of beating.

The present conventional systems were able to detect the probable theft cases through the data analysis and inspection/drives on a regular basis. However, the theft related to direct hooking/tapping is difficult to arrest owing to the fact that such direct hooking/tapping are done in a coordinated manner, where information pertaining to arrival of utility people flows much faster than movement of utility personnel and consequently the utility is always at a loss regarding the evidence of direct tapping/hooking. No action whatsoever could be initiated for such notorious actions.

To encounter this problem coaxial cables were used, which are covered to a great extent hence preventing the direct tapping/hooking. However, the joints and terminations were beyond the ambit of these coaxial cables, and the notoriety commenced on the open joints/terminations.

For this reason, there is a dire need to provide an improved system which will disconnect electricity supply from remote when there was theft of electricity rather than running behind the pilferers. The above described prior art system suffers from many disadvantages, which the instant invention effectively eliminates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the problems of prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system which is capable of disconnecting electricity supply in the event of theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking from the service cables/wires of the utility.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system having a better control over the areas where there is theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking but no tell-tale evidence is found for theft of electricity.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which minimizes the Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses (AT&C losses) of the electrical utility.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which is capable of reducing theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking from remote.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which is capable of acting upon in singularity from remote in case of detection of theft in a particular meter.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system which is able to achieve operation efficiency.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system which is developed in order to disconnect electricity supply in the event of theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking from the service cables/wires of the utility. Apart from the hardware (energy meters), the complete system comprises of software, developed and tweaked in-house, which inducts intelligence into the system through logics and algorithm.

In one implementation of the present invention, the automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system comprises an input power supply, a pole mounted Junction Box (JB), a parent meter positioned inside the junction box , plurality of child meters installed at consumer’s premises, an energy meter positioned inside the junction box configured to record the consumption of individual consumers and to provide relationship between the plurality of child meters and the parent meter, a service cable network configured to connect the parent meter, plurality of child meters and the energy meter, plurality of in-built load switches positioned inside the parent meter in communication with a mobile based software application.

In one implementation of the present invention, the parent meter and the plurality of child meters are configured to record the electrical power and the comparison of the power of the parent meter and summated power of the plurality of child meters is performed at a back end server.

In one implementation of the present invention, in the normal condition the summated electrical power at any instance, of the plurality of child meters is always equal to the electrical power measured by the parent meter at that instance and during pilfer attempt the electrical power measured by the parent meter is more than that of the summated power of the plurality of child meters.

In one implementation of the present invention, the pilfer attempt the mobile based application disconnects the power supply by disconnecting the plurality of in-built load switches positioned inside the parent meter and restores the power supply automatically after 60 minutes of disconnection.

In one implementation of the present invention, the mobile based software application is fed in with logic and algorithms to compare instantaneous electrical power measured by the parent meter and the summated instantaneous electrical power measured by the plurality of child meters.

Yet in another implementation of the present invention, the system is backed-up by a software system configured to fetch remote readings from the parent meter and the plurality of child meters at an interval of 30 minutes.

The services, catering to individual consumers, are fed from pole-mounted Junction Box (JB) without any meter installed thereat. To achieve a parent-child relationship an energy meter is required to be installed at the JB. The energy meters described herein are smart energy meters with in-built switch and remote communication feature.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 Shows the operation of the automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system under normal circumstances i.e. when there is no theft, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2 Shows the condition when there is a theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking near to the main service cable, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 Shows the condition when there is a theft of electricity through tampering meters or direct tapping/hooking is away from the main service cable, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 Shows the site installation practice of the automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5 Shows the basic flowchart for the software along with the logical circuit of the automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention provides an automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system which is developed in order to disconnect electricity supply in singularity from remote in the event of theft of electricity through direct tapping/hooking from the service cables/wires (3) of the utility or tampering of one or more children meters (4). In this system, the services, catering to individual consumers, are fed from pole-mounted Junction Box (JB) (1) without any meter installed there at. To achieve a parent-child relationship an energy meter is required to be installed at the JB (1). The energy meters described herein are smart energy meters with in-built switches and remote communication feature.

It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a component surface" includes a reference to one or more of such surfaces.

All terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which various embodiments belong. Further, the meaning of terms or words used in the specification and the claims should not be limited to the literal or commonly employed sense, but should be construed in accordance with the spirit of the disclosure to most properly describe the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of various embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, members, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, members, components, and/or groups thereof. Also, Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

In the present disclosure the energy meters installed for recording the consumption of individual consumers where all smart meters and one extra smart meter has been installed at the JB (1). While the smart meter at the JB (1) is known as the parent meter (2), all the smart meters installed at consumer’s premises are child(ren) meters (4). Summated electrical power, at any instance, of all the children meters (4) would always be equal to the electrical power seen/measured by the parent meter (2) at that instance.

Readings from all child (4) as well as the parent meters (2) are fetched from remote without any manual intervention. The frequency of fetching the remote readings is set to 30 minutes. At every 30 minutes, the remote readings fetched are automatically analysed by the software logics at the back-end. In case there is a considerable difference between the electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) and the summated electrical power measured by the child meters (4), supply disconnection will be effected. The difference in electrical power between the parent (2) and child meters (4) will happen, if there is any unauthorized tampering of one or more child meters (4) or tapping/hooking from the service cable (3) between the JB (1) and the point where the smart meters (child meter) for individual consumers are installed. Necessary back-end checks have been implemented into the software and the incorporated algorithms also take care when readings from any of the child meter do not become available due to communication failure or other issues.

The software while having the capability to disconnect the electricity supply, based on triggers, is also capable of re-connecting the electricity supply from remote. The re-connection of electrical supply is done through the load switches (6) of the parent meter (2). The load switches (6) of the parent meter (2) can be re-connected through the defined algorithms incorporated at a back-end server.

Figure 1 depicts the operation under normal circumstances i.e. when there is no theft. The surveillance and disconnection module is in watch-dog mode. The parent and the child meters (2, 4) keep recording the power and the comparison of the power of the parent (2) and summated power of the child meters (4) is done at the back end.

In the present invention, smart meters are connected in a parent child model. The parent meter (2), with an in-built load switch (6) disconnects the supply in the event of any unauthorized tampering one or more child meters (4) or direct tapping/hooking from the service lines (3). This system is backed-up by a software system, which fetches remote readings from the smart meters (2, 4) at an interval of 30 minutes. The 30 minute interval reading was also a development in the present disclosure as the readings from the smart meters (2, 4) are normally available at an interval of 4 hours. The 4 hours stale data would have been of no or little help as the situation demanded quick action. To encounter this, an on-demand schedule for fetching instantaneous parameters from the meters is created. The on-demand obviously had less information but had enough information to create backend logic for disconnection of in-built switch of the parent meter from remote itself. The software is fed in with logic to compare the instantaneous electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) and the summated instantaneous electrical power measured by the child meters (4).

Figure 2 above depicts the condition when there is a theft of electricity through tampering of one or more child meters (4) or direct tapping/hooking near to the main service cable. Under such circumstances the power measured by the parent meter (2) is more than that of the summated power of all the child meters (4). Based on this the mobile based software application (5) would take a decision and flash a notification to the user, while disconnecting the supply. The disconnection is carried out by operating the in-built load switches (6) of the parent meter (2). This will, in a way, punish the unscrupulous consumers and will force them to remove the direct tapping/hooking.

The system disclosed here restores the power supply automatically after 60 min of disconnection and continues to check for any further attempt / existence of pilfer. On detection of repeated pilfer attempt (e.g. Three detected attempt in 24 hours, in a moving window), the automatic reconnection process will cease and service will remain permanently disconnected. The system provides notification to the users for disconnection once the differential of the electrical power between the parent meter and the child meters will be more than the set threshold. Once the unscrupulous consumer puts any direct tapping/hooking or tampers the meter, the supply can be disconnected from obviating the need of site visits. Re-connection command of the in-built load switches (6) is also effected through the mobile based application (5).

In one implementation of the present invention, the automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system comprises an input power supply, a pole (7) mounted Junction Box (JB) (1), a parent meter (2) positioned inside the junction box (1), plurality of child meters (4) installed at consumer’s premises, an energy meter positioned inside the junction box (1) configured to record the consumption of individual consumers and to provide relationship between the plurality of child meters (4) and the parent meter (2), a service cable network (3) configured to connect the parent meter (2), plurality of child meters (4) and the energy meter, plurality of in-built load switches (6) positioned inside the parent meter in communication with a mobile based software application (5).

In one implementation of the present invention, the parent meter (2) and the plurality of child meters (4) are configured to record the electrical power and the comparison of the power of the parent meter (2) and summated power of the plurality of child meters (4) is performed at the back end server.

In one implementation of the present invention, in the normal condition the summated electrical power at any instance, of the plurality of child meters (4) is always equal to the electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) at that instance and during pilfer attempt the electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) is more than that of the summated power of the plurality of child meters (4).

In one implementation of the present invention, the pilfer attempt the mobile based application (5) disconnects the power supply by disconnecting the plurality of in-built load switches (6) positioned inside the parent meter (2) and restores the power supply automatically after 60 minutes of disconnection.

In one implementation of the present invention, the mobile based software application (5) is fed in with logic and algorithms to compare instantaneous electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) and the summated instantaneous electrical power measured by the plurality of child meters (4).

Yet in another implementation of the present invention, the system is backed-up by a software system configured to fetch remote readings from the parent meter (2) and the plurality of child meters (4) at an interval of 30 minutes.

Yet in another implementation of the present invention, the energy meter comprises an in-built switch and a remote communication feature.

Yet in another implementation of the present invention, the automatic restoration of the power supply ceases and the power supply remains permanently disconnected during detection of repeated pilfer attempt and the system provides a notification to the user during disconnection of the power supply.

Stages of Development:
The invention has been undergone following stages of developments and trials before coming to the present system. To identify the correct type of meter, to be installed as the parent meter was the first question the team had to deal and the second question was to finalize the electrical parameter for decision making at the back end. For identification of correct type of meter, the following proposals were considered:

PROPOSAL A:
• METERING AT SERVICE POINT: Installation of CT Operated Smart Meters and CTs. CT Operated meter to be installed at a separate box mounted at the same pole as that of the JB.
• SUPPLY DISCONNECTION & RECONNECTION ARRANGEMENT: Installation of a Breaker at the service point, near to the JB, to be operated through the CT Operated Smart Meter instead of conventional cut-out (near the consumer’s meter) to interrupt the supply from remote in the event when there will be unauthorized hooking/tapping or tampering of meters.
• MISMATCH CHECKING: Mismatch to be checked between the electrical parameter measured by the CT Operated Smart Meter near the JB and the summated value of the child meters.
• DISCONNECTING MECHANISM: The Breaker will trip through logic based trigger and/or manual command through the software only, in case of a mismatch in the electrical parameter measured by parent as well as child meters at any particular instant of time. In the event of breaker tripping, the supply will be interrupted and it is expected that the pilferer will manually switch on the breaker to restore the supply. Meters (child meters) will again establish communication with the back end server and the system shall continue with the same logic.

PROPOSAL B:
• METERING AT SERVICE POINT: A Whole Current Smart Meter to be installed at a separate box, at the same pole as that of the JB.
• SUPPLY BREAKING AND MAKING ARRANGEMENT: Through the in-built switch of the smart meters.
• MISMATCH CHECKING: Mismatch to be checked between the electrical parameter measured by the whole current meter near the JB and the summated electrical parameter of the child meters.
• DISCONNECTING MECHANISM: The in-built switch of the smart meter installed (as the parent meter) will trip through logic based trigger and/or manual command through the software only, in case of a mismatch in the electrical parameter measured by parent as well as child meters at any particular instant of time.

PROPOSAL C:
• METERING AT SERVICE POINT: Installation of CT Operated Smart Meters and CTs. CT Operated meter to be installed at a separate box mounted at the same pole as that of the JB.
• SUPPLY BREAKING AND MAKING ARRANGEMENT: Through a contactor, whose supply will be fed through a single-phase smart meter. Disconnection/reconnection of the single phase smart meter shall make/break the contactor, in turn the power supply.
• MISMATCH CHECKING: Mismatch to be checked between the electrical parameter measured by the CT Operated Smart Meter near the JB and the summated value of the child meters.
• DISCONNECTING MECHANISM: The single phase smart meter will trip through logic based trigger and/or manual command through the software only, in case of a mismatch in the electrical parameter measured by parent as well as child meters at any particular instant of time

For decision making at back end initially line current was proposed. However, during laboratory experiment it was revealed that the algebraic summation of line currents of the child meters would give incorrect decisions, owing to various power factor maintained by individual conditions. To encounter the problem faced with summation of currents, active power was considered during the laboratory experiment. Consequently, active power was finalised as the electrical parameter based on which all backend logics and decisions will be developed.

A table-top PoC was conducted in the laboratory when one three phase whole current smart meter was connected as a parent meter (i.e. connected at source end) and 1 three phase whole current smart meter along with three single phase whole current smart meters were connected as child meters. The following were observed during the table-top PoC:

a) Remote readings could be sourced from all the meters at an interval of 30 minutes
b) Under normal circumstances the differential of the active power measured by the parent meter and the summated active power measured by the child meters was within limits
c) Under simulated abnormal circumstance, considerable difference between the active power measured by the parent meter and the summated active power measured by the child meters

Some of the non-limiting advantages of the present invention are as follows:
• Provides automatic immediate disconnection of electricity supply upon identification of theft.
• Provides software module developed in-house for monitoring and orchestrate actions from remote.
• Provides introduction of reading schedule for quick decision making and suite the purpose of the module
• Provides disconnection of the service cut-out remotely, rather than the need of physical disconnection

Those skilled in the art will recognize other use cases, improvements, and modification to the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and other use-cases are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.

Claims:1. An automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system for low tension power distribution system, said automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system comprising:
an input power supply;
a pole (7) mounted Junction Box (JB) (1);
a parent meter (2) positioned inside the junction box (1);
plurality of child meters (4) installed at consumer’s premises;
an energy meter positioned inside the junction box (1) configured to record consumption of individual consumers and to provide relationship between the plurality of child meters (4) and the parent meter (2);
a service cable network (3) configured to connect the parent meter (2), plurality of child meters (4) and the energy meter;
plurality of in-built load switches (6) positioned inside the parent meter in communication with a mobile based software application (5);
wherein the parent meter (2) and the plurality of child meters (4) are configured to record the electrical power and the comparison of the power of the parent meter (2) and summated power of the plurality of child meters (4) is performed at a back end server;
wherein in the normal condition the summated electrical power at any instance, of the plurality of child meters (4) is always equal to the electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) at that instance and during pilfer attempt the electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) is more than that of the summated power of the plurality of child meters (4);
wherein during the pilfer attempt the mobile based application (5) disconnects the power supply by disconnecting the plurality of in-built load switches (6) positioned inside the parent meter (2) and restores the power supply automatically after 60 minutes of disconnection.

2. The automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile based software application (5) is fed in with logic and algorithms to compare instantaneous electrical power measured by the parent meter (2) and the summated instantaneous electrical power measured by the plurality of child meters (4).

3. The automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is backed-up by a software system configured to fetch remote readings from the parent meter (2) and the plurality of child meters (4) at an interval of 30 minutes.

4. The automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy meter comprises an in-built switch and a remote communication feature.

5. The automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatic restoration of the power supply ceases and the power supply remains permanently disconnected during detection of repeated pilfer attempt.

6. The automated remote surveillance-cum-theft prevention system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system provides a notification to the user during disconnection of the power supply.