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PREPAYMENT METERING IN RURAL UAE AREAS

Prof. Dr. E. El-ShirbeenyElectric Power Research Laboratory

Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority

ADWEAADWEAADWEAADWEA

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IN THIS PAPER

• National Overview

• Drivers

• Technology & Barriers

• Pilot Scheme

• Future Developments

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Abu Dhabi Emirate

?

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DISTRIBUTION REGIONS IN ABU DHABI

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ADWEA

TAW

UmNar

ADWEC

TRANSCO

Bainounah

MRF

ADDC

AADC

GENERATION DISTRIBUTIONTRANSMISSION

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ADWEA SYSTEM

One Million Customers67,340 Km2 Area

12% An. L. G. Rate

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LOCAL CONDITIONS

Maximum ambient temperature: 50 degCHumidity could reach 100% LV AC operating voltage 415 VFarms are scattered on wide desert areasDifficult transport and accessHigh callout costs

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TYPICAL RURAL LOADS

7 kW0.90 p f

water ne twork

60 kW0.85 p f

water we lls

320 kW0.79 p f

greenhouses

FARM Swith

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11 kV/415V Rural

Substation

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METER FOR SMALL FARM

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METER IN FARM WORKER HOUSE

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METER FOR WATER PUMP LOADS

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METER FOR FARM WITH WATER NET

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METER WITH CT’s At GREENHOUSE FARM

Meter and supply panels

Metering Current Transformer box

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REVENUE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

• Delays in payment due to customer apathy

• Social values and difficulty in disconnecting

• High rate of debt accumulation

• Use of old inaccurate meters

• Difficult meter reading

• Illegal reconnections

• Unmetered supply

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WHY PREPAY METERS• Cut down bad debts

• Protect revenue

• Reduce operating costs

• Simplify sales operations

• Higher metering accuracy

• Encourage energy saving

• Enhance customer services

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Coin operated Token Key Smart card Keypad

ONLINE

AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES

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SUPPORTING SYSTEMS

• Vending/Payment Terminals

• Billing System

• Databases

• Operating Platforms

• Communication Networks

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SELECTION CRITERIA

• Minimum customer interaction• Simplicity and ease of installation• Maximum utilization of available facilities• Efficiency• Reliability• Minimum maintenance• Scalability• Security• Cost

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SECURITY MEASURES

1. No access for Unauthorized party

2. Alternative means in case of system failure

3. Concurrent operation with a redundant system

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CHALLENGES1. Prepayment is not “off-the-shelf” technology

2. Prepayment = shift in mind of service provider

3. Community acceptance

4. Modification cost of metering & billing system

5. Need of strong technical support and training

6. Reliable communications and IT systems

7. Harsh local operating environment

8. Higher farm loads

9. Extra protection

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PILOT SYSTEM <online payment>

Control Center

DBBilling System

Data Concentrator

Local Transreceiver

MeterDisconnect Load

CustomerPayment Terminal

CustomerPayment Terminal

Data Concentrator

Local Transreceiver

MeterDisconnect Load

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ADVANTAGES OF SELECTED SCHEME

• Simpler software and hardware• Real-time integration with billing system• Centralized database and security modules• More vending points at a lower cost of ownership• Easier system management• More efficient arrears collection• Increased database and encryption security• Easier data management and scalability• Very quick setup of online vendor at lower cost

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FUURE DEVELOPMENT1. Extension to water & gas services

Data Concentrator

Electricity Meter

Electricity Meter

Electricity Meter

11/0.415 kV Distribution SS

Electricity Meter

Water Meter

Gas Meter

Radio Receiver

PLC Modem

Radio Transmitter

Data Collector

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FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

2. Applying online prepayment scheme to:

– large commercial customers

– Governmental buildings

3. Upgrading to AMR

4. Integration in distribution management

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THANK YOU