Alleviating congestion of an actual power system by genetic algorithms

This paper is aimed to propose a methodology for handling the congestion of electric power systems (EPS) that allows to encompass the treatment of problems of expansion and operation of EPS, traditionally treated separately. It is versatile and easy of implementing; besides, the solution gives explicit information to take decisions. Genetic algorithms are successfully employed to solve the posed problem, through the smart definition of chromosomes. Results are presented of the proposed methodology when it is applied to the power system of an actual utility. Operative strategies arise that allow to alleviate overloads´ problem that it exhibits.