Power-Based Indices with Single Metering Sections for Responsibility Assessment of Disturbing Loads

The integration of smart grids and energy communities in modern distribution systems drives the need for robust power quality analyses, particularly regarding waveform distortions. The distortions pose challenges in responsibility assessment between utilities and customers, due to their complex spectral characteristics and time-varying nature. To address this issue, this paper presents a comparative analysis of single-point measurement metrics (indices) derived from powers in non-ideal conditions, expanding their scope to incorporate supraharmonics (SHs). SHs are voltage or current frequency components that extend beyond the traditional harmonic range, typically ranging up to 150 kHz. Also, a new variation index useful to quantify the incidence of supraharmonics on the power-based responsibility indices is provided. Utilizing laboratory measurements from an emulated low-voltage system, the metrics are assessed under conditions involving disturbing loads and utility background distortion. The paper provides a detailed critical analysis of power-based metrics, describes the laboratory setup, and presents and discusses the results of numerical applications.