Factors associated with electricity losses in Colombia

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the factors associated with transmission and distribution electricity losses in Colombia, measured through the proxy variable non-technical losses. A literature review is carried out to find out the variables that have been significant in past studies. Once the issue is contextualized in the Colombian case, a statistical and econometric analysis is developed with the available variables. Transmission and distribution electricity losses were found to be positively significantly associated with crime, unemployment, and income; while these have a negative association with urbanization and population density. Results are of interest to practitioners, academics and policy makers.