Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Regulatory and Energy Assistance Project (REAP)

under USAID Contract No. EPP-I-00-03-00004-00, Task Order 5. The project aimed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electricity system in BiH. Electricity load varies significantly during different periods in the Electricity System, and generation and distribution subsystems must respond to customer needs accordingly. Changes in load occur due to various factors, including customer type, time of day, climate conditions, and geographic position. Understanding these factors is crucial for efficient planning and operation of the electricity system. Load research is an activity that involves metering and determining the load profile of customer electricity use. This enables a better understanding of electricity consumption patterns under different time, seasonal, or economic conditions. Load profiles for individual customers and groups of customers can be used to optimize electricity use and reduce losses. The need for more accurate load profiles, efficient planning and operation of the electricity system, creation of a free electricity market, definition of new tariff schemes, and concept of new customer services are some of the circumstances that bring about load research. The main objectives of load research include grouping and characterizing customers, forming typical load diagrams, and analyzing customer consumption patterns. The methodology for load research involves several phases, including measuring campaigns, data gathering and preliminary analysis, typical load diagram modeling, and model validation. The analysis methodology includes steps such as analyzing existing customer data, forming samples for metering and questionnaires, specifying and installing metering devices, gathering data, and conducting preliminary analysis. The process also involves defining models for typical load diagrams, verifying model validity, and developing and checking software validity. The duration of load research activities typically ranges from 24 months, with a usual minimum length of 24 months. The project involves several key phases, including a preparatory period, a period of sampling, analysis of collected data and development of models, and implementation of results. By understanding the load research process and its objectives, BiH can improve the efficiency and reliability of its electricity system and provide better services to its customers.