Reliability Assessment of Distribution Network for Improved Feeder Bule Hora University, West Guji, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

The knowledge of the reliability of distribution networks and systems is important consideration in the system planning and operations for development and improvements of power distribution systems. To achieve the target as minimum interruptions as possible to customers, utilities must strive to improve the reliability but at the same time reduce cost. It is a known fact that most of customer interruptions are caused by the failure in distribution system and the data and statistics were not easy to collect the reliability performance. The objective of the study was to examine the reliability distribution of networks and systems in the study area. In terms of methods, these studies used analytical methods to determine the reliability indices and effect of distribution substation configuration and network to the reliability indices performance. The key findings showed that there is always uncertainty associated with the distribution network reliability in the study area. The authors concluded that for evaluation and analysis of reliability, having data on the number and range of the examined piece of equipment, it is important to have database for failure rates, repair time and unavailability for each component in distribution network. Finally, the authors recommended that in order to improve the present status of the reliability distribution of network for improved feeder, training of workers, experts and customers strategies are very necessary. So that planners, policy makers, local communities, stakeholders and households need strong coordination to achieve the objective.