The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has unveiled a prototype anti-theft device capable of remotely monitoring and detecting customers stealing electricity.
According to the Acting Head of the Department, Dr Mudathir Akorede, who made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin, the device could also cut off electricity supply to the premises of customers stealing electricity.
“This will simultaneously send a message to the utility control room to alert the system operator with such customer’s details displayed on the control panel,” he said.
Akorede said that processes of filing application for patenting the invention had commenced through the university’s Laboratory to Product Centre.
The HOD explained that the device was developed by himself and some students of the Department.
Dr. Akorede said, “I gave the project to my undergraduate students; they carried out the project to a level and I took it over and brought it to a level that was up to standard.”
The Don further said,”The invention is now up to the standard that it can be patented.
“I have brought this to the attention of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, although not officially, but if adopted, the device would enable distribution companies to cut their commercial losses substantially.”
He said that the idea followed the discovery that most people use electricity without paying for it. (NAN)
