<![CDATA[Distribution transformers are essential components in power systems, and their service life is significantly affected by load imbalance and elevated operating temperatures. Load imbalance increases neutral current and hotspot temperature, accelerating insulation aging and reducing operational reliability. This study aimed to extend transformer lifetime by applying a temperature-based load balancing method using actual current data from the Garuda Sakti Substation. The load imbalance level for each feeder was calculated prior to redistributing the loads through power flow simulations using Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software. Oil and winding temperatures were predicted using a linear regression model, and transformer lifetime was estimated according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C57.91-2011 standard by calculating hotspot temperature, relative aging rate, and equivalent aging time. The results showed that the proposed method reduced load imbalance by up to 83.85% and power losses by 56.18%. Winding temperatures decreased between 1.80% and 17.14%, while oil temperatures decreased by 1.80%–17.60%. Consequently, the estimated transformer lifetime increased by up to 3.68% at an ambient temperature of 35°C. In conclusion, the temperature-based load balancing method effectively reduced operating temperature and thermal aging rate, resulting in a measurable increase in the estimated lifetime of the distribution transformer, while also demonstrating its practical applicability as a cost-effective strategy for improving energy efficiency and asset management in modern power distribution systems.]]>
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