Data Quality Assessment of Substation Data in Bangladesh: Insights from Handwritten Data Digitization

The assessment of power quality is vital for evaluating the existing state of the electricity supply, pinpointing its deficiencies, and guiding enhancements to guarantee a stable and consistent power supply, particularly in the face of rising demands from both industrial and residential sectors. In the context of Bangladesh, however, most substation data are still recorded manually, despite ongoing digitization efforts. This paper focuses on the quality of digitized transcription of handwritten substation data to determine its suitability for further analytical use. Our analysis revealed that the paper-based data from the substations exhibited significant gaps, undermining its reliability and accuracy. Through comprehensive evaluation, we concluded that the data, in its current state, is inadequate for in-depth analysis without the application of robust imputation methods. By tackling these challenges, our research aims to contribute to more informed decision-making and the efficient management of Bangladesh’s electrical infrastructure. This study not only diagnoses the current shortcomings in data quality but also lays the groundwork for future improvements in the country’s approach to energy data management.

I. Introduction

As a result of its expanding population and industrialization, Bangladesh has encountered significant difficulties in meeting its growing energy needs [1]. Bangladesh’s energy sector is dominated by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) [2]. The country’s energy mix consists of fossil resources (natural gas and coal), renewable energy, and electricity imported from neighboring countries [3]. Bangladesh faces energy shortages, leading to frequent disruptions and load shedding [4]. The government is actively addressing this through initiatives like expanding renewable energy capacity and enhancing infrastructure [5]. Energy efficiency programs, including conservation and demand-side management, are crucial for optimizing consumption and reducing strain on the power grid [6].