Methodological Evaluation of Power-Distribution Equipment Systems in Senegal: Randomized Field Trial for Cost-Effectiveness Assessment

The power distribution systems in Senegal face challenges such as frequent outages and high maintenance costs. A randomized field trial was conducted to compare two types of power distribution equipment systems. Data collection included system performance metrics such as uptime, energy efficiency, and maintenance costs over a year. The analysis revealed that System A had an average uptime of 95% compared to System B's 87%, with System A also showing lower maintenance costs by $20 per month per unit. System A demonstrated superior performance in terms of reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it the recommended system for power distribution in Senegal. Adopting System A will require a phased implementation strategy to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining current systems' operational stability. Power Distribution Systems, Cost-Effectiveness, Reliability, Randomized Field Trial The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y_{it}=\beta_0+\beta_1X_{it}+u_i+\varepsilon_{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.