We need MORE of the sector's knowledgeable people to weigh in on this so we can move toward some meaningful practices in the area of loss analysis and reduction. The analysis of losses is still a HUGE problem for the DUs; well, at least for the cooperatives.

I wonder how many electrical practitioners are in the utilities, and at the height of the loss segegation, very few raised a finger. I wonder what cowed them.

With all due respect, as I am not a PEE nor masters or doctorate degree holder in Electrical Engineering, data gathering should have been first implemented… Now data gathering involves substation and feeder metering (volts, demands, and power factor), precisely calibrated consumer energy meters and customer class load loggers. How can one run a realistic loss calculation based on load curves when there are no load loggers in the first place? And those who have one, logged data for a week on a residential class customer, then the next week on a commercial class, and so on… All because the poor guys in the utilties were sorely pressed for time to beat the submission deadline. The loss computation should also account naturally for the loads, and this is also bloody tough.. Utilities have to go from customer to customer to count the quantities and ratings of each type of electrical appliance of each customer. Customer loads naturally affect losses and the magnitude of losses depend on the load power factor. Surveying the secondary line sections and the customer service drops is no quick and easy task. The second part of the segregation is projecting the losses to five years from the base year, and such projection should be spatial or in layman's term, geographic map based. Sadly, just a few utilities have any reliable Geographic information system (GIS). Now, the issue of maps was skirted by the Segregation consultants claiming that a map is not needed in a load flow… a testament that the project proponents ignore their own guidelines.

The Segregator is very primitive compared to SynerGEE. In all aspects of power system modeling like data handling, circuit validation, objects modeled, SynerGEE is superior to the Loss segregator software. You can't use that segregator template for the Loss Segregation itself as too many factors are missing, and it would be tragic to use the segregator for CAPEX, power quality, protection, reliability and engineering economics analysis.

Pilferage is an unknown quantity, so the technical loss computation by using simulation softwares like SynerGEE is needed in the equation towards determining the extent of other losses. Simulation software is not just the only tool in loss reduction. Demand meters, thermal scanners, source meters among others are also needed. The simulation results only form a part of the basis to monitor suspected pilferers. A geo-centric model such as provided by SynerGEE fast tracks the resolving of loss contributory issues such as defective customer kwhr meters, loose connections, pilferage, switch placement, capacitor location, co-generation, etc.

Looking back, the Loss Segregation was hastily implemented for reasons subject to wild speculations. Many major loss factors were ignored. Thank God, there were few utilities and engineers who were discerning enough with their practical senses and stood firm on their ground.

If this is true, then it's time to abolish the EPIRA Law, and abolish ERC. EPIRA Law has not serve its purpose after all.

ERC, in it's old self as ERB was never influenced by any utility specially on Electricity Pricing and System Loss Regulations. i cannot imagine how it has evolved.

Power industry in the Philippines is just the same as those in Latin American countries. It's run by Latino-style management.

Investment on reducing system loss may be higher for that year's cap but still applicable to the following years' caps. Unfortunately, Aboitiz is only interested in this year's cap.

This mentality is common in Latin American countries where electricity prices are high. No wonder Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore are laughing at us. Philippines has the world's second largest geothermal capacity. Then electricity should be Asia's cheapest.

Philip Jarina, PEE
Former ERB employee
http://philipjarina.blogspot.com/