Planning for distributed generation within distribution networks in restructured electricity markets

Recent IEEE publications have been of great interest to those who have been investigating the requirements for power system planning in restructured, unbundled and competitive electricity markets. In particular, the increased uncertainty regarding generator siting and timing are problems that will tend to increase as competition in generation increases. The authors have been investigating a generic planning framework to meet the requirements of distribution companies in the United Kingdom with particular regard to embedded generation. The generic framework has been developed from an extensive survey of planning methodologies, with reference to standard industry planning practices and in recognition of the set of issues regarding embedded generation that require to be addressed through evaluation.