Smart metering data-based tools to identify flexible medium voltage customers in a distribution network

Abstract

As societies aim for carbon neutrality, many of their functions become electrified and power generation shifts towards renewables, which inevitably increase the volatility of electricity day-ahead (DA) prices. The volatility induces demand response, which is ideal for the efficient use of green energy, but simultaneously poses a risk to distribution system operators (DSO), if the natural temporal randomness of loads diminishes and loads concentrate on individual hours. This may cause some network components to become overloaded and thus DSOs should be aware of the effects of DA prices on their system’s loading. This paper examines the tools that may be used to assess the DA-price induced demand response and how distribution tariff impacts its profitability. While this paper focuses on the DSO point of view, the tools can be used by any organisation with access to smart metering data.