Developing load models for Eskom residential customers

Abstract

In 2008, South Africa faced a severe electricity shortage which manifested in load shedding. This resulted in numerous initiatives for demand side management and energy efficiency being implemented by Eskom. In addition, it was equally important to understand the dynamics of the load, and the behaviour of customers to these initiatives and to the situation in all sectors. Understanding the load and the behaviour of the customers was achieved through gathering data (electricity consumption and socio-demographics), analysing this data through proven techniques, and then providing models that would assist in decisionmaking. The objective of this dissertation is to provide developed load models in the residential sector. The outcome will enhance network planning, load forecasting, tariff and rates design, improved demand management and tackle theft issue from an informed view point. The methodology followed was to identify and define the problem, conduct the literature review to avoid duplication of research work and also to obtain best practices internationally. Subsequently, a sample design was conducted and sites for logger installation were identified. The installation of data loggers at the customer's service point (household) in various sites, data remote downloading and storing, validation and analysis of data were done in consultation with all stakeholders through working groups, steering committees and investment committees. From the data gathered it was established that in an area such as Matshana, the average gross income is about R2 600 per household per month, there is approximately 39% hotplate ownership, and 79% ownership of fridge or fridge-freezer with an estimated consumption of 465 kWh per household per month. The after diversity maximum demand for Matshana is 1.54 kVA. The average gross income for Mcubakazi is R7 100 per household per month, there is approximately 47% hotplate ownership, and 86% ownership of fridge-freezer with an estimated consumption of 330.4 kWh per household per month. The after diversity maximum demand for Mcubakazi is 1.38 kVA. This is useful information for the purpose of low-voltage network design and planning.