Implementation of ANP-TOPSIS for Prioritizing Switching Device Placement (Case Study: Rantau Prapat Distribution Network)

Continuing from our previous research, this study further examines the operations of PLN UP3 Rantau Prapat, the state-owned electricity company responsible for four regencies in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, with a particular focus on the installation of load break switches (LBS) within the distribution network to enhance operational reliability. Shifting from the FAHP-TOPSIS methodology to the ANP-TOPSIS approach, it investigates ten LBS units across 30 designated feeders. The criteria used for evaluation remain consistent with prior research, encompassing Energy Not Served (ENS), System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), feeder length, network availability, and feeder load. This transition introduces a new evaluation perspective, comparing variations and altered criterion weights via the ANP approach to influence the resulting TOPSIS rankings. In conclusion, this study finds that the application of the ANP-TOPSIS methodology to the evaluation of LBS placement in the distribution network demonstrates minimal changes in criterion weights, which are not statistically significant. These changes have a negligible impact on the rankings of alternatives and do not lead to significant alterations in the allocation of LBS units. Notably, ULP Aek Kanopan receives the highest allocation of LBS units, with a total of three units.