Evaluation of Losses in Distribution Networks of Selected Industrial Cities in Nigeria Using ETAP

Distribution losses contribute to energy shortages and therefore power outages in Nigeria’s industries. This work evaluated the technical losses in the distribution networks of selected industrial cities in Nigeria. Power flow simulation of network data collected over the period 2011-2015 from three distribution companies (DisCos) domiciled in these cities was done by Newton-Raphson (N-R) technique using the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP) software version 12.6. Results of the power flow simulation showed that between 2011 and 2015 covered by the study, the cities of Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt recorded a total power loss of 15.8 MW, 36.2 MW and 6.04 MW respectively. The findings also revealed that overloaded power transformers is part of the reasons for high losses in the distribution networks of some of the cities. The outcome of the study provides a guide for system planners and utility companies in providing for prioritization and system upgrade to ensure improved efficiency of their distribution networks.