Improvement of power reliability in the distribution network of Rwanda: a case study of the Mulindi feeder

Abstract

Reliable power distribution is fundamental to sustaining urban growth, industrial activity, and social well-being. Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda, faces persistent challenges of power outages and voltage instabilities, which directly affect critical services and economic productivity. This research evaluates the reliability of Kigali’s distribution network, with a focus on the Mulindi Feeder supplying Kigali International Airport (KIA). Using empirical outage data, failure rates, and ETAP simulations, the study examines reliability indices—System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI)—to quantify current performance and assess proposed improvements. Three solutions were modeled: construction of a dedicated line, upgrading existing infrastructure, and integration of distributed generation. Results show that a dedicated line reduces repair time but introduces higher failure rates, while infrastructure upgrades provide the greatest improvement by significantly reducing both failure frequency and outage duration. Distributed generation further enhances resilience by lowering outage duration from 11 to 9.42 hours annually. These findings demonstrate that targeted infrastructure upgrades, complemented by distributed energy resources, are the most effective strategies for improving network reliability. The study recommends investment in predictive maintenance, smart grid technologies, and distributed generation to ensure sustainable reliability improvements in Kigali’s power sector. Beyond Rwanda, the methodological framework and insights from this research can serve as a reference for other rapidly urbanizing cities in developing countries striving to balance electrification growth with network reliability.