Automated expansion planning for distribution pricing

This paper presents findings of a part of the software project aimed at developing a comprehensive methodology and robust computation engine for automated expansion planning (AEP) of distribution networks and economic use-of-system charging at the extra high voltage (EHV) level. Two main objectives of the AEP module are (i) identification of network constraints and bottlenecks through an automatic check-up of the network compliance with the UK network planning standards, and (ii) carrying out minimum cost automatic network modifications to eliminate overloads. The AEP results are used as the first pass security assessment and for feeding into the pricing — charging models.