Effect of an Intelligent Communications System in Enhancing the Power Infrastructure in Developing Countries

Abstract

Since reliable electric power is key to economic development, education and medical care.  Humanity finds itself confronting an enormous energy Challenge which shows that current patterns of energy use are environmentally unsustainable. Overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels, in particular, threatens to alter the Earth’s climate to an extent that could have grave consequences on the integrity of vital human and natural systems. At the same time, access to energy continues to divide the ‘haves’ from the ‘have-nots’, as a greater part of the world especially Africa still lacks access to one or several types of basic energy services, including electricity, clean cooking fuels and adequate means of transportation. It is necessary to improve the operation of distribution systems and hence the quality of power supply, which can be achieved by use of the intervention of information technology (IT) utilizing the available high speed computers and communication networks. This resulted into reduced technical loss,  support  for  commercial  loss reduction, improved cash flow, low service restoration time, reduction in equipment damage, availability of system information,  better operational  planning,  remote load control and shedding, and improved power quality and reliability.

Keywords: grid, reliable, power, costing, Alternatives, billing.