Role of GIS in Distribution Reforms:
You will agree which distribution is the weakest link in the chain of power supply and has been identified as the key focus area in power sector reforms. T&D losses are within the range of 40-45% and GIS can help decrease losses and improve energy efficiency by its contribution in the subsequent areas of distribution reforms:
• 100% consumer metering and AMR: Installation of meters at all the transformation stages and in the premises of consumers, along with the provision for accurate meter reading.
• Feeder and DT metering: Installation of static (electronic) meters on all 11 kV outgoing feeders and DTs.
• Effective MIS: Together feeder and DT static meters record active energy, power factor and load information that could be downloaded to a computer network to build effective MIS for fast decision-making and improved distribution system.
• Total energy accounting: Energy received in every 11 kV substation and 11 kV out-going feeders, energy billed and T&D losses at every feeder and DT would be properly accounted for.
• Installation of capacitor banks and network reconfiguration: Installation of capacitors at all levels, reconfiguration of feeder lines and DTs to decrease the length of LT lines thereby reducing AT&C losses.
• High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS): Installation of little energy efficient DTs supplying power to 10 to 15 households only, re-conductoring of overloaded sections, digital mapping of the entire distribution system and load flow studies to strengthen the distribution system.