5.4 Loads The importance of load modelling in stability studies is well known.

However, the major problem in the evaluation of power system dynamic performance is not posed by the complexity in load models, but the difficulty in obtaining data. Hence, in the early days, when AC network analyzers were used for study, the simplicity in load representation (by treating them as constant impedances) was common for convenience in calculations. Even when AC network analyzers were replaced by digital computer programs, the practice of modelling loads as constant impedances was continued and justified for the following reasons. (i) For the study of first swing stability of generators feeding radially into a load centre, the load representation is less critical. (ii) The use of constant impedance loads result in linear network equations which simplify the solution (iii) Data on the response of system loads to disturbances are not available and difficult to obtain on the system Regarding the last item, it is to be noted that several attempts have been made by different utilities to obtain the load data by measurements at high voltage substations [13-17].