Rural distribution networks : using new technologies to improve an old infrastructure

Abstract--In some rural areas in Australia, where electricity supply is required for small population of people dispersed across wide geographical areas, Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) Systems has been installed since a few decades ago. These systems are very cost effective and have proved to be one of the best options of supplying electricity to people in remote areas. A SWER feeder is a unique distribution line that consists of a single conductor, energised at a relatively high voltage, which uses the earth as a return path for load currents, rather than a dedicated neutral or earth conductor. This makes it incredibly simple and economic to construct and it has many advantages due to the small number of components. There is over 150,000 km of SWER feeders currently in use in Australia. Individual loads are typically less than 100 kW. Distances between customers can range from less than 1 km up to 25 km.