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We study the effects of a technical intervention in Karachi, Pakistan – converting
bare distribution wires to aerial bundled cables (ABCs) – that was intended to prevent
illegal grid connections and improve utility cost recovery. Theft-resistant cables
reduced losses. This occurred primarily through decreases in unbilled consumption,
with the number of formal utility customers and their billed consumption both increasing.
Load shedding outages decreased. In areas with these cables installed, consumers
have more appliances and higher electricity-related expenditures. Revenue
recovery rose, but consumers’ billing-related complaints also increased.
