Possibilities to Optimize LV Network Investments in Rural Areas

This research gives an overview of different possibilities for minimizing the total lifetime costs (investment and maintenance) for low voltage networks in rural areas, where the number of customers is small and the relative length of the network is large, i.e. where large investments are not justified. This topic is important, because reduction of costs and the increase of network reliability is one of the constant focus points for all regulatory methodologies. There are three principal categories for optimizing network investments: Optimization of the Network configuration; Use of other voltage levels and alternatives to the traditional network connection. This research provides an example for each of those. Firstly, a methodology for highlighting alternative investment solutions from a large number of investment projects is presented. The second example debates on the use of 1 kV system as a cost-effective investment solution in the rural areas. Thirdly, this research provides a framework to calculate the use of off-grid as an alternative to the traditional power line. All of these methods were tested in Elektrilevi OÜ, Estonias largest DSO, where they proved to be effective.