Reducing customers’ dissatisfaction and economic damages in the distribution network

Background, challenges and context

In Ethiopia, it is common for customers to experience long interruptions in power supply, and problems with power quality (PQ), almost daily. There is growing interest in the quality of voltage and current at customers’ point of connections (POCs), due to the immense industrial customers in general and, in particular, the industrial parks recently emerging throughout the nation. The quality of supply needs to be maintained within a certain limit, and various stakeholders must share this responsibility.

Energy customers, especially industrial and large commercial users, are most sensitive to supply voltage deviations. As the prime victims of poor-quality power, they will be the prime beneficiaries of improved PQ.

Research overview and objectives

This research project will assess the current PQ profile of Ethiopia, investigating the occurrence, causes, and consequences, and will propose optimal solutions for various PQ issues for different types of customers.

The research will be based on qualitative case studies, including both stochastic and statistical approaches. The methodological approach will comprise a literature study, data collection, and analysis; modelling and simulation on the existing distribution networks; field measurement; exploration of the effects of PQ issues; and publication, documentations, workshops, and dissemination of outputs. The team will:

• Investigate and assess the current performance of existing distribution networks and identify the causes and effects of poor PQ issues

• Identify the most important network parameters and network disturbances for performing comparative studies, based on computer simulations

• Analyse the PQ problems in the distribution networks (both from simulation and measurements)

• Identify an optimal place for installing permanent PQ meters for continuous monitoring of PQ problems in the distribution networks

• Identify and analyse standardised methods for the storage and exchange of PQ data from different vendors

• Propose effective monitoring and reporting techniques for active PQ management

• Analyse the economic damages of poor PQ on industrial and large commercial customers

• Propose optimal mitigation techniques for reducing the economic damages caused by poor quality of power, based on cost-benefit analysis

• Prepare proposals for a regulatory framework, setting limits, requirements, norms, and guidelines for PQ problems, which might be included in the national grid code

In Ethiopia, the shift of economy from agriculture to industrialisation is booming, and such research can assist with the development of new laws and regulations so that end users – especially industrial and large commercial customers – get better quality power. It can also help to develop a plan to reduce distribution losses, assist with the introduction of smart grid technology, and assist with the planning, operation, and maintenance of generation, transmission, and distribution systems as they expand.

The research will be very useful for customers in estimating the economic damages caused by PQ problems and long interruptions, in finding possible mitigation techniques, and in attaining the most optimal solutions and benefits as a result of PQ improvements. Several other groups, including power companies such as Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) and Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), policy makers, and international investors on industry and commerce, will also directly benefit from this research.

Local partners

Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP)

Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU)

Mesfin Industrial Engineering