Meter checks cut unaccountable losses

As a result of unacceptably large system losses - representing a $21-million outflow per year - Boston Edison Co instituted a comprehensive program to review where such losses originate. In some cases, nonessential transformers and cables were de-energized to eliminate no-load and dielectric losses. In other cases, energy usage for unmetered service was found to exceed previous estimates. Theft of service appeared to be a major problem, and several steps now are being taken to combat it. Among these is total-building metering to verify individual meter readings.