Abstract:
Electric utilities have a need to keep a comprehensive and accurate inventory of their physical assets, both as a part of normal service provision and as a part of their obligation to inform third parties about their facilities. Complexity of electrical distribution power system is a good reason for introducing new information technology - Geographic Information System (GIS) that carries out complex power system analyses in acceptable amount of time. In pursuance of an understanding of the electricity distribution network, the Geographic Information System approach was adopted. The aim of the project is to generate a geospatial model for electricity consumers and facilities to provide a better understanding towards effective distribution and conservation of electricity. This involves locating and mapping all the facilities in distributing energy to the end-users. These modelings involve the collection of both the geometric and attribute data of all the entities identified including that of the consumers.
The GIS technology adopted involves the use of computer-based wares. A Hand-Held GPS was used in acquiring positional data. These data were formally integrated into computer-based software for several analyses. The database generated contained information on the facilities and residential consumers. Analyses such as determining the trend/pattern of the rate in consumption of energy by the households within the study area were carried out. Areas of short-comings were identified and proposed locations/sites were generated in the service areas that needed new facilities. The results showed that GIS is a competent and effective tool for managing/monitoring electricity distribution network. The study concluded with some useful recommendation to monitor electricity distribution systems at the distribution level. In this context, the wrapping up shows that GIS makes map revision and digital mapping easier and some useful recommendations were proffered.
