This paper reports on the findings of a recently completed EPRI project [I] exploring the determination of load chracateristic for voltage stability analysis from field tests . The results of the extensive load tests performed on the B.C. Hdyro system are summarized. Based on the these results, important factors affecting test design and load parameter estimation are identified and typical load parameters are determined. Finally, a simple and effective load test procedure is proposed for future tests. © 1996 IEEE.