Beyond Metered Data: Bottom-Up Stochastic Survey Based Load Modelling in South Africa's Low-Income Communities

Energy instability disproportionately impacts South Africa's low-income communities, yet granular consumption data for targeted interventions is scarce. This study employs a bottomup stochastic survey methodology with the RAMP load profile generator to analyse electrical load patterns in distinct rural and urban communities, segmenting users by consumption level. Validated against metered DEL dataset, the model quantifies electricity use on an appliance activity level. These appliance level insights enable benefits such as targeted demand-side management (e.g., peak shaving), optimal resource allocation (e.g., microgrids for critical refrigeration), and consumer education. Grounded in Participatory Action Research, the approach emphasises inclusive engagement for context-specific energy solutions addressing the needs of underserved populations.