A model to optimise capex and opex for a given quality level

Today`s regulatory demands are providing strong incentives for cost reduction to distribution system operators in Germany and several other countries. Various National Regulation Authorities have implemented quality regulation schemes to avoid cost reductions at the expense of quality of supply. This paper presents an integrated model, which combines reliability calculations of electric networks and a simulation of the organisational structure of network operators. With help of this model, the impact of different grid and organisation structures on the quality of supply can be quantified simultaneously. So before implementing cost- and time-intensive investments in grid equipment and restructuring of staff organisation the resulting quality of supply and cost effects can be determined by the network operators.