Distribution customer power quality experience

There has been a significant increase in the number of disturbance-producing loads and sensitive loads being utilized, resulting in increased customer complaints being directed at utilities. BC Hydro is taking a proactive approach in determining its own power quality by monitoring voltage disturbances and harmonic levels dictated by a power quality survey program. The authors present and discuss in detail some of the key objectives of the power quality program. A methodology for quantifying power quality as experienced by customers in a graphical form are presented. Several detailed case studies are presented to illustrate the methodology. Algorithms for estimating the duration and magnitude of the various types of power supply disturbances are developed and illustrated