Techno-Economic Survey Analysis of UPS System as Backup Power Source during Load Shedding

The energy crisis in Pakistan has forced the general public (consumers) to use backup power source based on portable generator sets and Un-interrupted Power Supply (UPS). In order to maintain continuity of supply to basic appliances such as lights and ceiling fans, majority of consumers use UPS with battery backup due to less initial cost as compared to portable generator sets. Since the use of UPS as backup power source, several technical and economic issues to their use have come about. Most of the consumers are unaware of the problems related to the use of UPS and their up-keeping. From the utility side there is no policy as regard to the problems that may be experienced on the distribution feeders to use of UPS. Lack of standards as to the performance of UPS has made the local industry to manufacture cheap sub-standard systems that may have negative impact on the utility supply and the consumer load. The objective is to conduct a survey in Peshawar District, most affected by load shedding, highlighting the technical and economic impact of UPS. The survey will help in research related to UPS, for setting standards, policy and to address the areas where improvement is needed.