Using Geographic Information Systems to Develop a Robust Electricity Utility Network

Abstract

Electricity distribution reform is widely viewed today as fundamental to improving domestic and commercial performance and financial viability in different countries all over the world. Several steps have been taken in this regard to improve the performance by undertaking several measures such as reduction of technical and commercial losses, improvement in load management, strengthening of metering, billing and collection avenues, enhancement of attention towards the quality of electric supply and customer care. The role of Geographic information system (GIS) in electric utility has gained much attention worldwide. Using GIS an electric distribution utility uses a network of physical facilities to provide electric power and energy to customers connected to those facilities throughout a geographical area. Each component of the distribution system (i.e., asset) has a physical location and associated data. So does each customer. In order to design, maintain, operate and manage the electric distribution network it is necessary to utilize the geospatial data. A geographic information system (GIS) is a convenient and powerful way to collect, organizes, maintain and manage this geospatial data and display it on a geographic map. The present study focuses on the use of Geographic information system to develop a robust electricity utility network that helps in distribution system planning, analysis and asset management.