Convergences and divergences in distribution investment between industrialised and developing countries

The economic and political contexts of a country have a considerable effect on the development of its electrical sector and on that of its distribution network in particular. These parameters are reviewed and analysed. The basic data for this analysis is derived from the experience acquired by the authors through studies related to the development of distribution networks in Europe, particularly in Belgium, and in numerous countries in Africa and Latin America. The parameters essential for selecting distribution network investments have been structured as follows: the equipment existing in the network and the new equipment to be selected for its development; the cost of distribution and the structure of such costs; the quality of service expected by consumers and that really ensured by the electricity company; electrical power demand characteristics and its evolution; and environmental constraints