Impacts of a pandemic on electrical energy demand and distribution networks

Sam, M. A.; Oyedokun, D. T. O.

Countries across the globe adopted preventative measures such as lockdowns and stay home orders to control the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19. These measures led to travel restrictions, suspension of public gatherings, and closure of business activities, which ultimately affected most sectors of economy, including the electricity supply industry (ESI). This paper investigates the impacts of a pandemic on electrical energy demand and reliability of distribution networks, using Walvis Bay, Namibia as a case study. Cognisance was given to commercial-industrial loads and residential loads. Change in electrical energy demand was observed in all consumer segments during the pandemic. Shift of peak times were also observed. Nonetheless, demand variations observed were not extreme, hence did not cause forced power interruptions during the lockdown. These findings confirm the validity of the After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) design principle during a rare event, such as a pandemic. © 2021 IEEE.