SMART GRID STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING RELIABILITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF SAUDI MV/LV DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

The medium-voltage and low-voltage distribution networks in Saudi Arabia are now reaching a stage at which simple reinforcement on its own can no longer meet the growing demand for digital services, the increasing presence of distributed photovoltaic generation, electric-vehicle charging, bidirectional power flows, and the more complex reliability needs. This study critically brings together smart - grid strategies which can enhance reliability and operational efficiency in the Saudi medium-voltage and low-voltage systems, focusing on advanced metering infrastructure, distribution automation, fault location-isolation-service restoration, istribution phasor measurements, active voltage management, distributed energy resources, battery storage,smart charging,data driven asset management and cybersecurityA structured integrative review was carried out using peer-reviewed literature, giving priority to evidence from 2020 to 2025 and making use of studies that are specific to Saudi Arabia whenever available.