Leveraging Power Quality Index (PQI) for Enhanced Energy Management and QoS

In many emerging markets, unreliable grid power poses a significant challenge to the operational efficiency of telecom infrastructure. This paper examines how tower companies can leverage the Power Quality Index (PQI) to transition from a basic availability-focused model to a more comprehensive, quality-driven energy management approach. Using field data from smart meters and IoT sensors across multiple telecom sites, a composite PQI model is developed, incorporating key parameters such as voltage stability, frequency consistency, harmonic distortion, and load utilization. These metrics are normalized and visualized through a centralized dashboard, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved SLA compliance. The analysis reveals strong correlations between PQI scores and normalized site performance indicators—including AC voltage, AC load utilization, frequency, RPM, DC voltage, and DC load utilization—which collectively inform the site’s PQI score. Sites with high PQI scores exhibit greater power reliability and operational efficiency, while low-scoring sites show signs of instability and inefficiency. The findings support the adoption of PQI frameworks as a strategic tool for enhancing service quality, reducing operational costs, and guiding infrastructure investments in telecom networks.