Regulatory Reporting of Momentary Interruptions to Electricity Supply
The Commission has been receiving data from ETSA Utilities on the number of momentary interruptions of duration less than one minute (MAIFI) experienced by customers connected to its distribution network since 2003. However, there has been increasing concern by the Commission about the accuracy of the method by which momentary interruptions are estimated. Therefore, during 2009/10, the Commission commenced a review of the estimating methodology and commissioned two separate studies concerning possible methods for improving the accuracy of MAIFI measurement, and the usefulness of MAIFI as a performance measure.
The objectives of the project were to:
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Review the costs and benefits of establishing and maintaining an accurate MAIFI monitoring and reporting system;
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Provide an overview of and comment on the MAIFI reporting practices used in Australia and internationally;
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Identify customer expectations of momentary interruption performance, including a review of customer complaints;
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Identify the equipment and systems necessary to effectively monitor and report on MAIFI performance of the ETSA Utilities’ network, including the associated costs (established and ongoing)
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Identify the benefits to ETSA Utilities and customers of an effective MAIFI monitoring and reporting system.
The Commission has developed an Issues Paper based on the findings of the two consultant reports into the cost and benefits of improving the accuracy of MAIFI reporting by ETSA Utilities and now seeks stakeholder views on the issues identified, in particular:
- How significant is the consumer benefit associated with public reporting of MAIFI performance?
- If MAIFI reporting is to continue, should it be based on counting every single operation of a recloser that results in zero voltage, or on counting as one momentary interruption event several such operations that occur prior to successful supply restoration?
- Should ETSA Utilities be required to adopt either of the two methods (as suggested by PB) for enhancing the accuracy of the current MAIFI estimation method?
Publications
The Commission received 3 submissions to the Issues Paper.
- ETSA Utilities
- St Kitts Associates
- Minister for Energy
Submissions
The Commission released its Final Decision on the Reporting of MAIFI.
For the current regulatory period July 2010 to June 2015, the Commission has not required ETSA Utilities to report MAIFI data under Industry Guideline No.1. The Commission’s decision is not to re-instate the MAIFI reporting measures for the foreseeable future.
The Commission will monitor complaints related to momentary interruptions that arise during the course of the current regulatory period. Based on the level of complaints, the Commission will review the reporting requirements of ETSA Utilities in respect to the subsequent regulatory period, in conjunction with reporting requirements imposed by the AER.
Publications
