Power Quality and Industrial Performance

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Chapter INTRODUCTION:

Electric current can simply be referred to as the rate at which charges flow across any cross sectional area.
Electricity is the fastest growing form of delivered energy in the world. That notwithstanding, virtually every economy has experienced its own share of energy crisis and the vital implications of poor quality electricity generation and supply on both individuals lives and businesses.
In recent years in Ghana, one word that resonates in virtually every daily conversation from the ordinary citizen on the street, the media houses, through to investors is "power". By power they simply mean quality and reliable electrical energy for homes, schools, work places etc.
Electricity is a vital ingredient for any economy seeking growth in this era of global competitiveness. There indeed exists a strong positive correlation between electricity usage and economic growth and development. However, one key element that most studies fail to note is that, electricity availability is not the sole panacea for industrial performance and growth of any economy.
Quality electricity supply goes beyond mere availability of electricity as most texts fail to clearly distinguish between availability and quality electricity supply. Quality electricity generated and supplied to households and industries does have implications for the energy policy, demand site management and the generation mix of any country.
In this book four (4) general key performance indicators have been identified and discussed. Three (3) general quality elements of electricity have also been discussed. Six (6) vital areas that are impacted by electricity have also been identified in this book.