Spatial Analysis of Electrical Power Consumption Patterns of Unmetered Customers in Agboju, Lagos State

Abstract

Using geospatial techniques, this study investigates the electrical energy consumption patterns of unmetered Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) customers that receive energy from a 500kvA public distribution transformer in Agboju, Lagos State. The study identified and mapped all the electrical infrastructure within the study area and classified the unmetered customers by level of energy consumption as well as land use and revenue collection efficiency. It also analysed the energy consumption patterns in kilowatt-hour of unmetered customers and ultimately determined the priority for metering within the study area. Alongside Spatial Inequality Theory, studies from previous research were reviewed in order to provide a wholesome understanding of discussions in the electricity consumption space. Fieldwork was conducted to collect spatial data on buildings and electrical infrastructures. The secondary data on energy consumption was sourced from EKEDC. The study adopted a quantitative methodology, with spatial autocorrelation technique utilized to determine spatial associations in energy billing and revenue collections of the unmetered customers. To determine metering priority, the researchers used an ordinal scale of measurements to categorise the customers from A to H. None of the unmetered customers made Category A and only six customers made Category B. The study concludes that spatial patterns in energy consumption or revenue collection efficiency are random, given the results of the spatial autocorrelation analysis. Thus, electricity distribution organizations can maximize revenue by strategically prioritizing meter deployment in high-potential locations through thorough evaluation and mapping of unmetered consumers.