Improved Technique for Penalizing Electricity Users that Generate Harmonics
Osita Uchechukwu Omeje1, Olukunle James Amore2, Linus Idoko3
1Osita Uchechukwu Omeje, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
2Engr. Olukunle James Amore, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
3Linus Idoko, Department of Electrical Engineering, Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Nigeria.
Manuscript received on 07 May 2026 | First Revised Manuscript received on 14 May 2026 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 26 May 2026 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 June 2026 | Manuscript published on 30 June 2026 | PP: 7-11 | Volume-15 Issue-5, June 2026 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijeat.E478015050626 | DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.E4780.15050626
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: The increase in harmonic distortion in power networks due to non-linear loads is now a major challenge for utilities, and utilities are finding ways to reduce these harmonics by imposing penalties on customers that generate them. This research aimed to design a fairer harmonic penalty model for customers who inject harmonics into power systems, accounting for harmonics injected from both the customer and utility sides. The harmonics injected from the customer and utility sides of the PCC (Point of Common Coupling) were evaluated, and the resulting Total Harmonic Distortions (THD) were used to assess the penalty and compensation due to the customer. The customer’s electricity bill was also evaluated using this penalty model. The application of this penalty model results in a fairer model in which utility-penalised customers are compensated for harmonics injected from the network that exceed the limits, as well as for harmonics injected from the utility side. This research offers a substantial improvement over existing penalty models, as customers were treated fairly by considering the harmonics generated by their networks and the utility networks.
Keywords: Harmonic Distortion, Non-Linear Loads, Harmonic Penalty, Total Harmonic Distortion.
Scope of the Article: Electrical Engineering