SAIEE Load Research Chapter | “Research towards developing domestic ADMD guidelines for Namibia”

This presentation was given by Marcus Dekenah during an online meeting of the SAIEE Load Research Chapter on 21 April 2026. Estimation of load for Reticulation and MV planning in residential areas can be problematic if Load metering data is not readily available. Whilst there are hazards in both the under-design and over-design of networks, the most significant factor in a network design is parameters of the peak demand. Electricity Control Board of Namibia recently commissioned a landmark national load research project to develop objective, data-driven residential ADMD guidelines. This initiative aims to establish a common standard for distribution network sizing, reducing ambiguity and industry dispute. This presentation details research work undertaken in Namibia 2024-2026, to help establish a set of ADMD guidelines, with locally described load classes and associated load Herman Beta load parameters. In support of the guidelines, important work was also undertaken to establish offsets for quantification of supplementary domestic energy sources and load growth due to change in urban density. This talk details the project's methodology, the Namibian-SA load synergies, and how these innovative offset systems can inform the future evolution of standards like SANS 507. Contents: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Presentation 38:20 Questions & discussion Presenter: Marcus Dekenah (M. Dip Tech Eng, BSc Elec Eng, MBLII) is an electrical load research specialist with municipal and research roots who has worked 20 years to characterise, model, and document the behaviour of consumers in SA and Namibia. He was technical lead of the NRS 034 domestic load research project, and led research in support of Eskom’s Geo-based Load forecast tool since inception to 2015. He conducted contract load research (domestic, and non-domestic) both inside and outside South Africa with multi-disciplinary teams of specialists from industry, private, and the academic sector, authored and co-authored over 40 international and local journal and conference papers and articles. Marcus contributed to NRS 034/SANS 507 and Eskom Geo-based load forecast (GLF) standard, and won awards for project work and publications. Marcus is currently Chair of SAIEE Load Research chapter, which was formed to promote the execution, broadcast and application of Load research in the ESI.