Optimizing the power system impacts of demand-side management

With an increasing emphasis on demand-side management (DSM) as an alternative to more traditional power system expansion methods, utility planners are required to conduct more comprehensive analyses in order to achieve a satisfactory integration of supply-side and demand-side technologies. DSM impacts are typically manifested in varying degrees at each level of the power system. Thus, the complexity of optimizing an electrical power system is increased under the DSM option. The authors discuss the fundamental issues of DSM impacts, particularly with respect to the transmission and distribution portions of the power system. The nature of the characteristic differences of the customer classes, the importance of DSM market penetration, and the utilization of system reconfiguration are emphasized with regard to achieving maximum system benefits