IoT-based Prepaid Smart Energy Meter and Theft Detection

Abstract

IoT-based prepaid smart energy meter with built- in theft detection to improve traditional electricity billing and monitoring systems. With the increasing demand for power and the necessity to stop power theft, the system guarantees real-time measurement, control, and communication. An Arduino Uno microcontroller serves as the central unit, connected to an energy meter to read power usage. A relay module connects or disconnects the load automatically depending on the prepaid balance, while a GSM module facilitates remote recharge of the balance and status reporting. A micro-switch senses unwanted cabinet opening, triggering a buzzer and sends instant notifications through GSM. An LDR-based display gives real-time indication of units consumed, balance available, and credit status. An optocoupler (4N35) provides electrical isolation and immunity to noise, safeguarding the controller circuit. The system is cost-effective, scalable, and reliable for use in domestic as well as small industries with real-time monitoring, theft detection, and automatic recharging due to the integration of embedded hardware and IoT. Keywords: IoT, Smart Energy Meter, Prepaid Billing, Ar- duino Uno, GSM Module, Theft Detection, Relay Control, Op- tocoupler 4N35, Energy Management.

Introduction

Modern energy utilities face persistent challenges such as inaccurate billing, electricity theft, delayed payments, and inefficient manual meter reading. To address these issues, the proposed system introduces an IoT-based prepaid smart energy meter that integrates metering, billing, theft detection, and communication into a single platform.

The system is built around an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which processes consumption data from an energy meter and updates the user’s prepaid balance. A relay module automatically disconnects the power supply when the balance reaches zero, ensuring controlled and prepaid energy usage. GSM communication (via a SIM800 module) enables remote balance recharging, SMS notifications, and alerts for abnormal activity.

To detect theft or tampering, a micro-switch is installed inside the meter enclosure. Any unauthorized opening triggers a buzzer and sends an instant alert message. Real-time information—such as units consumed, balance, and system status—is displayed on a 16×2 LCD. Safety and isolation between high-voltage and control circuits are ensured using an optocoupler (4N35), while supporting components like resistors, fuses, and a regulated power supply maintain stable operation.

The system’s software, developed in Embedded C using the Arduino IDE, manages energy measurement, balance deduction, GSM communication, theft alerts, and LCD updates. Interrupts enable rapid responses to tampering and pulse detection, while non-volatile memory preserves data during power loss.

Testing shows that the system effectively disconnects loads at zero balance, logs consumption accurately, and detects unauthorized access reliably. Overall, the solution provides a cost-effective, secure, and scalable energy management platform for residential, commercial, and light-industrial applications.

Advantages include real-time monitoring, reduced manual effort, enhanced security, revenue protection, remote recharge, and easy scalability. Disadvantages include dependency on GSM coverage, higher initial cost, maintenance needs, Arduino’s limited storage capacity, and potential GSM operating costs.

Conclusion

The Theft Detection IoT-based Prepaid Smart Energy Meter provides a reliable and practical solution for modern energy management. With the integration of prepaid billing, theft detection, and real-time communication, it is transparent and operationally effective. Arduino Uno usage makes develop- ment low cost and accessible, and 4N35 optocoupler provides electrical isolation between high and low voltage portions. Testing ensures that the system rightly records units, depletes balance, and cuts supply when credit is exhausted. Theft detection along with instantaneous alerts increases safety against unauthorized access. The unit promotes eco-friendly energy practices by motivating users to regulate usage and pay upfront. Its scalability makes it a good candidate for extensive use in both domestic and small-scale industrial settings.

References

[1] B. Shravani, G. Sai Deepthi, C. Nikhilesh Vijay, K. Wajida Sultana, G. Sadha Muskan, and C. Rakesh, “IoT Based Prepaid Energy Meter,” Int. J. Res. Eng. Sci. (IJRES), vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 255–258, Apr. 2023. [2] Prof. Sandhya Ahire, Dipali Bangar, Utkarsha Nagargoje, and Amit Phadatare, “IOT Based Prepaid Energy Meter,” Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 340– 347, Mar. 2023. [3] M. S. Kinake, S. B. Deotale, A. R. Mirase, S. H. Padhen, and D. V. G. Neve, “Prepaid Energy Meter using GSM Technology,” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 3536– 3541, May 2022. [4] D. S. Ramani, S. I. Kiran, S. Raviteja, and B. P. Kumar, “IoT Based Electricity Energy Meter,” International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 153–158, Jan. 2022. [5] Afreen, M. S. Vishnu, and P. Prashanth Kumar, “IoT-Based Prepaid Energy Meter,” International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET), vol. 11, no. III, pp. 1125–1134, Mar. 2023. [6] S. Barkale, P. Jadhav, S. Bagul, and S. Bhosale, “IoT Based Smart Energy Metering with Blynk Application,” International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 814– 819, Apr. 2023. [7] D. V. Ranganayaki, N. Kumar S, S. M, and M. Mahaprabhu, “IOT Based Prepaid Energy Meter,” International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), vol. 9, no. 7, pp. 219–224, Jul. 2021.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Navadeep G, Nithin M R, Naveen M, Gonehal Manjunath, Mrs. Bhavya S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.