Improving the Way of Calculating Access to the Electricity Distribution System

Abstract

The method of calculating access to the electricity distribution system is a topic that has attracted the attention of the experts in the Republic of Serbia in recent years. This issue is more complex by the connection of an increasing number of new users to the electricity distribution system, such as prosumers or electric vehicle charging stations. Among the many challenges that the electricity distribution system operator faces in his work are finding ways to reduce electricity losses in the distribution system and the costs associated with them, as well as difficulties in system management due to the connection of new system users. Some of the challenges are the: need for the modernization of measuring infrastructure, the necessity for automation of the power grid and the need for necessary investments in the power system in order to enable the connection of new users. In this paper, proposals will be given for improving the process of collecting data from electricity meters and calculating access to the electricity distribution system. Existing legislation will also be analysed in order to enable the improvement of the regulatory framework for the purpose of implementing the proposed solutions. Examples from the reference international practice in this area shall be also presented. Additionally, data on the consumption of system users at the level of one distribution substation at the hourly and monthly level for the reference year will be considered. Based on the conducted analysis, a model will be developed for changing the process of collecting data from electricity meters and the method of calculating access to the electricity distribution system. The paper will also present the results of model testing on several relevant examples, and the impact of the model on the work of electricity distribution system operators as well as on system users and participants in the electricity market.