This research was initiated due to declining customer satisfaction indices in the Southern region of Eskom, an electricity utility in South Africa. Given the link between customer satisfaction and purchase intentions, the sustainability of the business is at stake. The validity of the current MaxiCare survey tool is questioned and explored, as is the congruence of management and customers' perceptions regarding the key service quality constructs in the industry. The study's objective was to provide management with a reliable and valid customer satisfaction survey instrument as an alternate to the existing tool and to use the knowledge gained through the research process to recommend improvement strategies aimed at closing specific satisfaction gaps identified. The research was performed in two stages; firstly, semistructured interviews with customers and management to gain an understanding of the most important satisfaction dimensions. These influenced the design of a survey instrument based largely on the SERVPERF tool with the inclusion of importance ratings per item in the second stage. The quantitative survey results were used to assess the reliability and validity of the research and to suggest areas for future work. The results show that communication, quality of supply, assurance and price are uppermost in the consumer's mind. Tangibles are not significant and the inclusion of empathy is inconclusive. Management and customer perceptions at a macro level are closely aligned, however the two populations are not in agreement as to the underlying micro considerations. Similarly, the MaxiCare instrument is found to be valid as a macro indicator but lacks sufficient detail to be useful as a strategic tool and needs to be supplemented with additional sources of market information. The survey instrument used in the second phase is both descriptive and reliable but the number of factors it measures, the mix of items and the inclusion of the 'importance' dimension need further refinement to improve its validity. Future revisions of the tool will provide management with specific information that allows them to focus improvement strategies on disgruntled customers and their key service issues.

The electric power policies in Nigeria and South Africa are considered the governments’ intention to provide quality and affordable electricity to the people. A comparative study on the electric power policies focuses on the similarities and differences in the policy approaches, the policy issues that affect electrification, and the impact of the policy issues in achieving the goal of universal access to quality and affordable electricity power in both countries. The methodological approach allows for an in depth textual study on the electric power policy documents in both countries. In Nigeria, the government intends to address the massive demand-supply imbalance and achieve the goal of electrification through reforms that focus on private sector-led growth in the sub-sector. In South Africa, the identification of electrification as a public problem by the post apartheid government leads to an integrated policy framework that focuses on balancing economic concerns with social and environmental considerations. The study identifies electricity provision as a social welfare responsibility of the governments in both countries and examines the policy issues in the context of public welfare. In Nigeria, the policy issues are found to be self serving and not in line with sustainable public interest, given the socio-economic challenges. As a result they, exert less impact on achieving the goal of universal access to quality and affordable electricity in the country. In South Africa, good governance in the sub-sector has enabled the identification of policy issues in line with sustainable public interests of social equity, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability; and government using public administration agencies to play a key role in service delivery. Recommendations of the study mainly derive from the South African experience on electrification, and are intended to offer some policy-lessons to Nigeria in the sub-sector. The study contributes to new knowledge in the discipline of public administration by opening up new vistas for a comparative analysis of electric power policy issues in both countries in the context of public welfare. Besides, a comparative study on electrification in Nigeria and South Africa from a policy angle contributes to the existing knowledge base in the discipline.

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Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to inadequate financial resources and lack of managerial skills, in this case study the local level of governance does not have appropriate mechanisms to manage their resources adequately. It is observed that the Nigerian government cannot provide all basic amenities for the people at the grass-root level of development. Following the above scenario, rural communities do not have access to basic amenities such as electricity and pipe borne water. In Nigeria, little research has been done with regard to sustainable development in rural electrification. This study is based on the impact of community and individual participation in a rural electrification project, and shows how sustainable development plays a leading role. The study is based on a rural electrification project initiated and facilitated in 1996, and was completed in 2000 by the Ipari-Efugo Otukpa community members in Benue State in the North Central part of Nigeria. In spite of prevailing poverty in rural areas, Ipari-Efugo community members were able to be responsible for their own development without government intervention. The research includes literature studies of rural electrification projects and demonstrates how participation and sustainable development can lead to a successful community project. Irrespective of obstacles such as poverty and lack of economic empowerment, Ipari- Efugo community members are resilient and were able to provide electricity. Access to electricity can serve as a prerequisite for economic development and growth. The benefits accruable from the use of electricity outweigh the costs of providing the amenity to the community. Participation through sustainable development remains the core instrument responsible for the completion of the electricity project in Ipari-Efugo. This study encourages rural communities to take responsibility for their own development. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van onvoldoende finansiële middele en 'n gebrek aan bestuursvaardighede, in die gevallestudie beskik die plaaslike regering nie oor die toepaslike meganismes om hulle hulpbronne na behore te bestuur nie. Boonop blyk dit dat nasionale regerings nie alle basiese geriewe aan diegene op voetsoolvlak kan voorsien nie. Die genoemde scenario impliseer dus dat landelike gemeenskappe nie toegang het tot basiese geriewe soos elektrisiteit en kraanwater nie. In Nigerië word weinig navorsing gedoen op die gebied van volhoubare ontwikkeling in landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsiening. Hierdie studie is gebaseer op die impak van gemeenskaps- en individuele deelname aan 'n landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsieningsprojek, en toon hoe volhoubare ontwikkeling 'n toonaangewende rol hierin speel. Die studie spruit uit 'n landelike elektrifiseringsprojek wat in 2000 deur die gemeenskap van Ipari-Efugo Otukpa in die staat Benue in die noordelik-sentrale deel van Nigerië aangevoer en gefasiliteer is. Ondanks die heersende armoede in landelike gebiede, het lede van die Ipari-Efugo gemeenskap sonder die tussenkoms van die regering verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie ontwikkeling aanvaar. Die navorsing sluit literatuurstudies van landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsieningsprojekte in, en demonstreer hoe deelname en volhoubare ontwikkeling tot 'n suksesvolle gemeenskapsprojek kan aanleiding gee. Ongeag struikelblokke soos armoede en 'n gebrek aan ekonomiese bemagtiging, was die lede van die Ipari-Efugo gemeenskap vasberade en kon hulle uiteindelik elektrisiteit aan die gemeenskap verskaf. Toegang tot elektrisiteit kan as 'n voorvereiste vir ekonomiese ontwikkeling en groei dien. Die voordele verbonde aan elektrisiteitsverbruik oortref uiteindelik by verre die koste verbonde aan die voorsiening van hierdie gerief aan die gemeenskap. Deelname by wyse van volhoubare ontwikkeling bly die sleutelinstrument vir die voltooiing van die elektrisiteitsprojek in Ipari-Efugo. Hierdie studie moedig landelike gemeenskappe aan om verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie ontwikkeling te aanvaar.

MScEng / Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--Univerity of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the number of distributed generation units connected to a distribution network increase, the possibility of island formation increases. An island is formed when distributed generation units continue to energize local loads within a section of the grid, which has been disconnected from the main distribution network. These islands pose significant danger to maintenance personnel as well as to members of the public. In this study, an investigation is done into various anti-islanding methods. The modes of operation of these methods are discussed, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The slip-mode frequency shift method and the Sandia voltage shift method, in combination with over/under voltage and frequency protection, are simulated and tested to confirm their functionality. The results obtained show that it is possible to prevent distributed generation units from energizing local loads when the grid is disconnected. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die moontlike toekomstige toename in die aantal verspreide generasie eenhede gekoppel aan die verspreidings netwerk, verhoog die moontlikheid van eiland vorming. ‘n Eiland word gevorm wanneer verspreide generasie eenhede energie aan lokale laste voorsien nadat die netwerk ontkoppel is. Dit hou groot gevaar in vir onderhouds personeel asook vir die publiek. In die tesis word ‘n studie gedoen oor die verskillende metodes om die vorming van ongewensde eilande te voorkom. Die glipmode-frekwensieskuif metode en die Sandia spanningskuif metode word gekombineer met die oor/onder spanning en frekwensie beskerming metodes. Die kombinasie van metodes word dan gesimuleer en eksperimenteel getoets. Die verkrygde resultate toon dat dit moontlik is om die vorming van ongewensde eilande effektief te voorkom.

Thesis (D. Tech. Engineering : Electrical ; Dept. Applied Electronics and Electronic Communications) -- Vaal University of Technology / Two methods to convert an AC current source to an AC voltage source are presented. Both methods make use of a current transformer to provide energy extraction from the main system while maintaining galvanic isolation between the main system and the output system. Control is via a pulse width modulation scheme in both instances. The ftrst method uses a storage element to provide a DC voltage, which feeds an inverter that supplies the AC load with a voltage source. The second method does not use a storage element but is a direct AC current source to AC voltage source converter employing a current transformer. This has not been done before. A possible application of this study is in the extraction of power from high voltage transmission lines without the conventional substation and rural grid to supply small users such as the telecommunication industry.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, July 2017 / This dissertation presents the design and testing of controllers intended to provide au- tonomous demand response, through the use of water heater loads and grid frequency measurements. The controllers use measured frequency as an indication of the strain on a utility grid, which allows demand side management to be isolated from any form of central control. Water heaters can operate as exible loads because their power consump- tion can be dispatched or deferred without directly impacting users. These properties make it possible to control individual water heaters based on the functioning of the grid, rather than end user input. The purpose of this research is to ultimately provide a low- cost alternative to a traditional Smart Grid, that will improve the resilience of a grid without negatively impacting users. The controllers presented here focus on ensuring that users receive hot water, while attempting to reduce any imbalance between power generated and power consumed on the grid. Simulations of these controllers in various situations highlight that while the controllers developed respond suitably to variations in the grid frequency and adequately ensure end users receive hot water, the practical bene t of the controllers depends largely on the intrinsic characteristics of the grid. / CK2018

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in ful lment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Engineering (Electrical). Johannesburg, 2016 / Power-line communications can be used for the transfer of data across electrical net- works in applications such as automatic meter reading in smart grid technology. As the power-line channel is harsh and plagued with non-Gaussian noise, robust forward error correction schemes are required. This research is a comparative study where a Luby transform code is concatenated with power-line communication systems provided by an up-to-date standard published by electricit e R eseau Distribution France named G3 PLC. Both decoding using Gaussian elimination and belief propagation are imple- mented to investigate and characterise their behaviour through computer simulations in MATLAB. Results show that a bit error rate performance improvement is achiev- able under non worst-case channel conditions using a Gaussian elimination decoder. An adaptive system is thus recommended which decodes using Gaussian elimination and which has the appropriate data rate. The added complexity can be well tolerated especially on the receiver side in automatic meter reading systems due to the network structure being built around a centralised agent which possesses more resources. / MT2017

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science in Building (Property Development and Management) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Construction Economics and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / South Africa’s electricity demand, over exceeds its’ supply capability; this in-turn affects a myriad of developmental factors namely: economic growth, business growth prospects, property development, the environment, as well as society as a whole. The traditional (fossil fuel generated) centralized electricity production model, has proven to be insufficient in terms of production capability as well as infrastructure expansion. This has in-turn presented an opportunity for real estate (more specifically listed regional and super-regional retail real estate) to capture a niche gap in the electricity generation market, that of becoming: decentralized renewable electricity generating production plants, that can become self-sufficient and sustainable, while plugging excess electricity back into the national electricity grid; these would in-turn form a network of individual power plants, that can contribute towards the national electricity grid through a smart-grid system, regulated by Nersa and monitored by Eskom. Structured interviews with industry professionals were captured through audio-recordings; the conversations were then author transcribed through pattern emergence as an interpretation tool, analyzed, and the findings documented in this research report. The major findings illustrated that: there were sufficient incentives from the government that promoted electricity generating real estate; feed-in tariffs were being explored within certain municipalities; within the listed property sector, portfolio greenness was becoming more and more important in commercial property development as well as portfolio sustainability; and technological price-parity had been reached within South Africa (meaning that the justification for utilizing the conventional electricity extractive development strategy, rather than the renewable electricity generating strategy, could no-longer be used as an excuse, due to both methods working out to relatively the same costs overall). Key recommendations where that: the self-sufficiency and electricity generation drive should come mainly from tenants, who could then place pressure on the landlords, who would then begin developing in a generation focused way rather than a cost-saving and low cost method; municipalities needed to look at other revenue generating schemes, as an intervention such as this one would see a possible loss of revenue due to a smart-grid system; and developers needed to begin thinking outside of the box, and creating wealth not only in monetary terms, but also in sustainability terms. It was concluded that, as much as this intervention could work in the long-run, it would face a few immediate challenges in the short to medium run, namely: grid connection approval, IPP (Independent power producer) approval, the challenges of shopping mall design with a huge dependence on HVAC / mechanical ventilation which uses tremendous amounts of electricity, as well as the electricity consumption of a regional & super regional retail centre almost being on par with the potential electricity that could be produced. With all that having been mentioned, this intervention would be a five to ten year development strategy that could be worked towards, and would create a new benchmark for listed commercial regional & super-regional retail developments within Gauteng. / MT2018

O conhecimento das características experimentais das faltas de alta impedância é de suma importância para o desenvolvimento de sistemas e equipamentos voltados a detecção eficiente das mesmas em sistemas de distribuição de energia elétrica. Este trabalho apresenta um conjunto de estratégias experimentais que visam orientar passo a passo a realização de ensaios de faltas fase-terra com alta impedância, contemplando-se desde os dispositivos de proteção usados na viabilização dos experimentos até os equipamentos de oscilografias utilizados para registrar as grandezas elétricas advindas dessas situações de faltas. São ainda apresentados os resultados obtidos pelos ensaios realizados de queda de condutor energizado (lado fonte) em solo seco, queda de condutor energizado (lado fonte) em brita seca, queda de condutor energizado sobre a cruzeta e queda de condutor energizado (lado carga) em solo seco. / The knowledge of experimental characteristics of high-impedance fault is of highest importance for developing both systems and equipments addressed to its efficient detection in electric power distribution systems. This work presents a set of practical strategies to guide step by step the accomplishment of experiments involving phase-ground faults with high impedance, being also contemplated from protection devices used in the experiments to oscillograph equipments dedicated to register the electric signals produced in those situations. It is still presented the results produced by fault experiments involving drop of energized cable (source side) in dry soil, drop of energized cable (source side) in dry broken stones, drop of energized cable on crossarm and drop of energized cable (load side) in dry soil.