Evaluation and improvement of supply reliability indices for distribution networks

This paper presents a methodology for the evaluation and improvement of supply reliability indices. Based on statistical failure rates associated to each individual component, and other recorded information, such as restoration and reparation times, expected reliability indices related with the number and duration of interruptions are obtained for a feeder or set of feeders within a given area. If the resulting indices are not satisfactory, they can be improved by implementing several corrective actions, such as the addition of protecting devices or the modification of the feeder topology.