Upgradation of Metering Infrastructure of Low Voltage Distributed Network in Nottingham Road, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

The management of electricity distribution faces numerous challenges, including energy losses arising from technical and non-technical issues such as electricity theft. Energy losses due to theft have a significant global impact, including in South Africa (SA). SA rural areas are suffering from poor voltage, and technical and non-technical losses due to old power system systems. Hence, this research project is a proposal for the upgradation of an old and technically weak network of Nottingham Road, Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. To reduce non-technical losses, this research examines the influence and potential solutions of using smart meters. The paper focuses on modeling real low voltage (LV) distribution systems and the energy meters that measure various parameters of the smart meters. This research also examines the effect of illegal links on the network. However, implementing the smart metering technology for lesser power consumers in developing countries such as South Africa can be challenging because of the greater initial costs. Therefore, this paper investigates the possibility of various technology choices and their return on investment in both urban and rural regions.