1 PREPAYMENT METERING IN RURAL UAE AREAS Prof. Dr. E. El-Shirbeeny Electric Power Research Laboratory Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority ADWEAADWEA

2 IN THIS PAPER National Overview Drivers Technology & Barriers Pilot Scheme Future Developments

3 Abu Dhabi Emirate ?

4 DISTRIBUTION REGIONS IN ABU DHABI

5 ADWEA TAW UmNar ADWEC TRANSCO Bainounah MRF ADDC AADC GENERATION DISTRIBUTIONTRANSMISSION

6 ADWEA SYSTEM One Million Customers 67,340 Km 2 Area 12% An. L. G. Rate

7 LOCAL CONDITIONS Maximum ambient temperature: 50 degC Humidity could reach 100% LV AC operating voltage 415 V Farms are scattered on wide desert areas Difficult transport and access High callout costs

8 TYPICAL RURAL LOADS

9 11 kV/415V Rural Substation

10 METER FOR SMALL FARM

11 METER IN FARM WORKER HOUSE

12 METER FOR WATER PUMP LOADS

13 METER FOR FARM WITH WATER NET

14 METER WITH CT’s At GREENHOUSE FARM Meter and supply panels Metering Current Transformer box

15 REVENUE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS Delays in payment due to customer apathy Social values and difficulty in disconnecting High rate of debt accumulation Use of old inaccurate meters Difficult meter reading Illegal reconnections Unmetered supply

16 WHY PREPAY METERS Cut down bad debts Protect revenue Reduce operating costs Simplify sales operations Higher metering accuracy Encourage energy saving Enhance customer services

17 XCoin operated XToken XKey XSmart card XKeypad  ONLINE AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES

18 SUPPORTING SYSTEMS Vending/Payment Terminals Billing System Databases Operating Platforms Communication Networks

19 SELECTION CRITERIA Minimum customer interaction Simplicity and ease of installation Maximum utilization of available facilities Efficiency Reliability Minimum maintenance Scalability Security Cost

20 SECURITY MEASURES 1.No access for Unauthorized party 2.Alternative means in case of system failure 3.Concurrent operation with a redundant system

21 CHALLENGES 1.Prepayment is not “off-the-shelf” technology 2.Prepayment = shift in mind of service provider 3.Community acceptance 4.Modification cost of metering & billing system 5.Need of strong technical support and training 6.Reliable communications and IT systems 7.Harsh local operating environment 8.Higher farm loads 9.Extra protection

22 PILOT SYSTEM Control Center DB Billing System Data Concentrator Local Transreceiver Meter Disconnect Load Customer Payment Terminal Customer Payment Terminal Data Concentrator Local Transreceiver MeterDisconnect Load

23 ADVANTAGES OF SELECTED SCHEME Simpler software and hardware Real-time integration with billing system Centralized database and security modules More vending points at a lower cost of ownership Easier system management More efficient arrears collection Increased database and encryption security Easier data management and scalability Very quick setup of online vendor at lower cost

24 FUURE DEVELOPMENT 1. Extension to water & gas services Data Concentrator Electricity Meter 11/0.415 kV Distribution SS Electricity Meter Water Meter Gas Meter Radio Receiver PLC Modem Radio Transmitter Data Collector

25 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 2. Applying online prepayment scheme to: –large commercial customers –Governmental buildings 3. Upgrading to AMR 4. Integration in distribution management

26 THANK YOU