The study of electricity distribution networks is severely limited by the lackness of data regarding the actual electrical infrastructure. The purpose of this research and this report is to show how the publication of data regarding the electrical distribution infrastructure by network operators allows to study the correlations between the characteristics of the network with the served territory. From a theoretical point of view, this is useful to understand the general principles of electricity distribution network planning, generally leading to a more in-depth knowledge of the electricity system.

This correlation can be directly used to develop methodologies to model the evolution of the distribution system for different scenario of load and generation increase. In addition to these applications, a detailed knowledge of networks and territories also has an important application for the electricity system regulation, allowing the comparison of the planning techniques of different distributors.

These are just some examples of possible applications, which however depend on the availability of sufficiently detailed data, which, especially regarding the electricity networks, are not available. The report mainly uses data from the French distribution system, which, although not containing all the necessary information, is nevertheless sufficiently detailed to show some possible analyzes and applications that can be conducted.

These methodologies were developed by correlating network data with information regarding the territory served (e.g., population density), allowing to study in detail how some of the network characteristics are influenced qualitatively and quantitatively by the characteristics of the territory.

The Report is available on the Italian site