SYSTEM LOSS OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES THROUGHOUT

THE PHILIPPINES: A FRACTAL ANALYSIS

Albert L. Sucalip, Jude D. Banico, Noel V. Vinegas, Roosevelt C. Mendoza

Naval State University, Naval, Biliran Philippines

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the system loss of the 104 electric cooperatives throughout
the Philippines. Using fractal statistical analysis pioneered by Dr. Roberto N. Padua (2015), a different
lens was used to analyze available data from the National Electrification Administration (2015). Fractal
dimension, which helps determine the electric cooperatives with highest and lowest rate of system
loss revealed that eight (8) percent or the top 9 and bottom 9 of the 104 electric cooperatives have
highest and lowest system loss, respectively. Examining the common characteristics of the ECs, the
results imply that system loss is attributable to anthropogenic (man-made) and non-anthropogenic
(non-manmade) factors. The top 9 ECs exhibits peace and order problem, debt, pilferage, high T & D
losses and mismanagement. While the bottom 9 ECs displays excellent management, manageable
debt, no political chaos, responsible consumers, and minimal T & D losses.

Keywords: fractal electric cooperative, power loss fractal, exponential fractal, fractal analysis

1.0 Introduction
This study examined the systems loss of electric cooperatives (ECs) throughout the Philippines
using fractal statistical analysis (FSA) pioneered by Padua (2015) which has revolutionize the
possibility of analyzing non-normal dataset.
Losses in transmission and distribution power refers to the loss that are not paid for by users.
According to Electrical Engineering Portal (2016) Power generated in power stations pass through
large and complex networks like transformers, overhead lines, cables and other equipment and
reaches at the end users. It is a fact that the unit of electric energy generated by power station does
not match with the units distributed to the consumers. Some percentage of the units was lost in the
distribution network.
According to the statistical data from National Electrification Administration (NEA) in 2010, the
average of the system loss reductions (distribution system) for electric cooperatives (ECs) is 12.29%.
These losses consist of technical losses, non-technical losses and administrative losses.
Zameco 2 (2016) explained that technical losses refers to the component of distribution system
that is inherent in the electrical equipment, devices and conductors used in the physical delivery of
electric energy. It includes the load and no-load losses in the following components such as: sub-
transmission lines, substation power transformers, primary distribution lines, voltage regulators,
capacitors, reactors, distribution transformers, secondary distribution lines, service drops, and all
other equipment necessary for the operation of the distribution system.
Non-technical losses refers to the component in the distribution system that is not related to the
physical characteristics and functions of the electrical system, and is caused primarily by human error,
whether intentional or not. Non-technical losses include the electric energy lost due to pilferage,
tampering of meters, and erroneous meter reading.
On the other hand, as further explained by Zameco 2 (2016) administrative losses refer to the
component of the distribution system that accounts for the energy used by the distribution utility in the
proper distribution of the utility which include the electric energy consumption of connected electrical
loads in the following facilities and activities, subject to the approval of the Energy Regulation
Commission (ERC).
Many researches were conducted to explain the phenomenon behind system loss of the electric
cooperatives throughout the Philippines. However, none of the researches utilized an approach of
looking at the dataset in a natural way. Hence, this paper attempts to examine the trend of the system
loss of the 104 electric cooperatives throughout the Philippines using FSAs lens hoping to unlock
some hidden factors.

2.0 Research Methods

This study utilized quantitative method which include descriptive statistics and fractal statistical
analysis obtained.
In order to analyze the data using FSAs lens, we first established that the dataset is fractal. To do
this, Paduas theorem (2015) explains that x is fractal if and only if log(x/min) has an exponential
1
distribution with rate parameter =1 , where =1+ .
y
As Figure 1 shows frequency distribution, it cannot be safely assumed that the dataset is indeed
x
fractal. Therefore, we get the inverse of log( ). This time, we are certain that the dataset is fractal

as shown in Figure 2.
The rate parameter =1=1.077441=0.07744 with fractal dimension =1.07744
determines the percentage of x that we are interested in. In this case, it is the value in excess of 1,
which is 0.07744 or 7.744% or 9 of the 104 electric cooperatives are considered having high and low
losses. The discussion of which will follow in the next section.

3.0 Results and Discussion

Table 1 below presents the descriptive statistics of the of the system loss of the electric
cooperatives throughout the Philippines

Table 1. Descriptive Statistics of the System Loss of the Electric Cooperatives throughout
Philippines
Minimum Standard Fractal
Maximum Dimension
Variable N Value Mean Deviation
Value
() (SD) (
System
104 5 39 12.913 5.386 1.07744
loss
Source: NEA, 2015

It can be gleaned from Table 1 that there were 104 electric cooperative being considered in the
study. The minimum value of (%) system loss is 5 percent, the maximum is 39 percent. It obtained
mean percentage loss of 12.913, and a standard deviation of 5.386. This means that the data
deviates from the mean by about 5.386 percent.
The computed fractal dimension lambda reached to 1.07744. This means that 7.744 percent
or 9 of the 104 electric cooperatives having high and low losses. Figures 1 and 2 below presents the
graphical presentation of the data.

Figure 1. Frequency distribution of x Figure 2. Exponential distribution of x

 Figure 1 shows the frequency distribution of the system loss of the electric cooperatives
throughout the Philippines.. The graph tells that the distribution is positively skewed. This implies that
majority of the electric cooperatives have lower number of system loss. Figure 2 shows the that the
dataset is fractal.
Table 2 below presents the ranking of the top 9 countries or 8 percent of the 104 ECs which
obtained the largest system loss.

Table 2. Top Eight (8) Percent of the ECs with highest System Loss.

No. Electric Cooperative System Loss (%)

1 Lanao Sur Electric Cooperative 39
2 Sulu Electric Cooperative 31
3 Basilan Electric Cooperative 30
4 Maguindanao Electric Cooperative 27
5 Albay Electric Cooperative 26
6 Tawi-tawi Electric Cooperative 23
7 Masbati Electric Cooperative 23
8 Zamboanga Electric Cooperative 21
9 Ticao Island Electric Cooperative 21
It can be noted in the table above that Lanao Sur Electric Cooperative ranked 1 and got a
system loss of 39 percent, followed by Sulu Electric Cooperative (31%), Basilan Electric Cooperative
(30%), Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (27%), Albay Electric Cooperative (26%), Tawi-Tawi Electric
Cooperative and Masbati Electric Cooperative got the same system loss (23%), while Zamboanga
Electric Cooperative and Ticao Electric Cooperative obtained the same system loss (21%).

Table 3 below presents the bottom eight percent of the 104 ECs with the least system losses.)

Table 3. Bottom Eight (8) Percent of the 104 ECs with Least System Loss

No. Electric Cooperative Systems Loss (%)

1 Batanes Electric Cooperative 5
2 Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative 5
3 Bohol I Electric Cooperative 6
4 Ilo-ilo III Electric Cooperative 7
5 Cebu II Electric Cooperative 7
6 Peninsula Electric Cooperative 7
7 Pampanga I Electric Cooperative 8
8 Cebu III Electric Cooperative 8
9 Camotes Electric Cooperative 8

4.0 Conclusion

Fractal Statistical Analysis revealed that the distribution of the system loss of the electric
cooperatives throughout the Philippines is indeed fractal. The ruggedness of the phenomenon is
attributable to the anthropogenic (man-made) and non-anthropogenic factors (non-manmade).
The extreme high losses of ECs may be traced back to pilferage, mismanagement, political chaos,
and debt. On the other hand, the ECs good Management, peace and order, and responsible
consumers, manageable debt, contribute much to the extreme low system loss of the electric
cooperatives.
5.0 References

Electrical Engineering Portal (2016). Total Losses in Power Distribution and Transmission Lines.
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/total-losses-in-power-distribution-and-transmission-
lines-1. Retrieved on April 29, 2016.

Zameco 2 (2016). Transmission and Distribution Systems Loss. http://zameco2.com/LinkContent.

aspx?zmc=1&lid=C6573443-2BD0-4E07-962E-A059C0957B10 . Retrieved on April 28,
2016.

Ong, C. (2014). Manila Bulletin. http://www.mb.com.ph/dilg-seeks-govt-support-in-takeover-of-lanao-

sur-electric-coop/. Retrieved on April 28, 2016

Remo, A. (2016). Philippine Daily Inquirer. http://business.inquirer.net/109847/nea-taps-jica-expertise-

to-reduce-systems-losses-of-power-cooperatives. Retrieved on April 28, 2016