Determining the effects of load-shedding on residential electricity consumption using meter data — A case study of Kitwe, Zambia

摘要

Zambia is currently experiencing an energy deficit primarily due to low water levels at its hydro power stations. In June 2015 the national utility instituted a load-shedding program to reduce energy consumption. Most residential customers are nominally without electricity eight hours per day. However, the efficacy of the program at reducing consumption is not apparent, as customers may shift or otherwise adjust their energy use in response to the load shedding. This paper investigates how load-shedding has affected the consumption of electricity by residential users in Kitwe, the second most populous city in Zambia. The monthly electrical energy consumption of 1242 residential customers was analyzed from February 2013 to March 2016. A statistical comparison of consumption before and during load shedding is made. The findings highlight the change in residential energy consumption and provide valuable data to help utility companies optimize their load management. It will also assist government to properly plan for its economic and energy needs of the growing population.