Distributed Generation And Its Implications For The Utility Industry

Distributed Generation and its Implications for the Utility Industry examines the current state of the electric supply industry; the upstream and downstream of the meter; the various technological, business, and regulatory strategies; and case studies that look at a number of projects that put new models into practice. A number of powerful trends are beginning to affect the fundamentals of the electric utility business as we know it. Recent developments have led to a fundamental re-thinking of the electric supply industry and its traditional method of measuring consumption on a volumetric basis. These developments include decreasing electricity demand growth; the rising cost of fossil fuels and its impact on electricity costs; investment in energy efficiency; increasing numbers of prosumers who generate for some or all of their own needs; and market reforms. This book examines the implications of these trends in chapters focusing on distributed and decentralized generation, transactive energy, the role of electric vehicles, any much more. Discusses the technological, business, and policy trends most impacting the electric utility sector Provides an assessment of how fast and how soon distributed energy resources may make an impact on utility sales/revenues Explores, through a series of international case studies, the implementation of strategies that may help retain the viability of the utility industry Features contributions from a number of scholars, academics, experts and practitioners from different parts of the world focused on examining the future of the electric supply industry

This book features extensive coverage of all Distributed Energy Generation technologies, highlighting the technical, environmental and economic aspects of distributed resource integration, such as line loss reduction, protection, control, storage, power electronics, reliability improvement, and voltage profile optimization. It explains how electric power system planners, developers, operators, designers, regulators and policy makers can derive many benefits with increased penetration of distributed generation units into smart distribution networks. It further demonstrates how to best realize these benefits via skillful integration of distributed energy sources, based upon an understanding of the characteristics of loads and network configuration.

Future of Utilities - Utilities of the Future: How technological innovations in distributed generation will reshape the electric power sector relates the latest information on the electric power sector its rapid transformation, particularly on the distribution network and customer side. Trends like the rapid rise of self-generation and distributed generation, microgrids, demand response, the dissemination of electric vehicles and zero-net energy buildings that promise to turn many consumers into prosumers are discussed. The book brings together authors from industry and academic backgrounds to present their original, cutting-edge and thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sector. The book's first part lays out the present scenario, with concepts such as an integrated grid, microgrids, self-generation, customer-centric service, and pricing, while the second part focuses on how innovation, policy, regulation, and pricing models may come together to form a new electrical sector, exploring the reconfiguring of the current institutions, new rates design in light of changes to retail electricity markets and energy efficiency, and the cost and benefits of integration of distributed or intermittent generation, including coupling local renewable energy generation with electric vehicle fleets. The final section projects the future function and role of existing electrical utilities and newcomers to this sector, looking at new pathways for business and pricing models, consumer relations, technology, and innovation. Contains discussions that help readers understand the underlying causes and drivers of change in the electrical sector, and what these changes mean in financial, operational, and regulatory terms Provides thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sector Helps readers anticipate what developments are likely to define the function and role of the utility of the future

Go in-depth with this comprehensive discussion of distributed energy management Distributed Energy Management of Electrical Power Systems provides the most complete analysis of fully distributed control approaches and their applications for electric power systems available today. Authored by four respected leaders in the field, the book covers the technical aspects of control, operation management, and optimization of electric power systems. In each chapter, the book covers the foundations and fundamentals of the topic under discussion. It then moves on to more advanced applications. Topics reviewed in the book include: System-level coordinated control Optimization of active and reactive power in power grids The coordinated control of distributed generation, elastic load and energy storage systems Distributed Energy Management incorporates discussions of emerging and future technologies and their potential effects on electrical power systems. The increased impact of renewable energy sources is also covered. Perfect for industry practitioners and graduate students in the field of power systems, Distributed Energy Management remains the leading reference for anyone with an interest in its fascinating subject matter.

In recent decades, network industries around the world have gone through periods of de- and re-regulation. With vast amounts of sometimes conflicting research carried out into specific network industries, the time has come for a critical over-arching assessment of this entire industry in order to provide a platform of understanding to aid future research and practice. This comprehensive resource provides an orientation for academics, policy makers and managers as to the main economic, regulatory and commercial challenges in the network industries. The book is split into sections covering market, policy, regulation, management perspectives, whilst all of the key network industries are covered, including energy, transport, water and telecommunications. Overseen by world-class Editors and experts in the field, this inter-disciplinary resource is essential reading for students and researchers in international business, industrial economics and the industries.

As a result of deregulation, the US electric utility industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation with far-reaching technical and social consequences. At the heart of this transformation lies Distributed Generation (DG)-the substitution of centralized electricity production with smaller-scale technologies located in or near facilities and powered by natural gas or renewable resources. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that 20 percent of all new power generation will use distributed, not centralized technologies. Distributed Generation: The Power Paradigm for the New Millennium is the first step to understanding the myriad issues that surround the newest, most significant trend in power production since the steam turbine. Chapters contributed by the top experts in their fields address virtually every aspect of this energy "revolution," from its associated technologies to the regulatory environment and from choosing the right DG system for a given purpose to the novel financial and economic opportunities this paradigm shift presents. This book gives engineers and energy business developers their first opportunity to explore and gain a broad understanding of the new energy landscape. With its detailed discussion of the near-term technologies that will see application in the next few years, Distributed Generation: The Power Paradigm for the New Millennium will undoubtedly become the industry's standard reference.

In the view of many power experts, distributed power generation represents the paradigm of the future. Distributed Power Generation: Planning and Evaluation explores the preparation and analysis of distributed generators (DGs) for residential, commercial and industrial, as well as electric utility applications. It examines distributed generation versus traditional, centralized power systems, power demands, reliability evaluation, planning processes, costs, reciprocating piston engine DGs, gas turbine powered DGs, fuel cell powered DGs, renewable resource DGs, and more. The authors include recommendations and guidelines for DG planners, and numerous case studies illustrate the discussions.

Operation of Distributed Energy Resources in Smart Distribution Networks defines the barriers and challenges of smart distribution networks, ultimately proposing optimal solutions for addressing them. The book considers their use as an important part of future electrical power systems and their ability to improve the local flexibility and reliability of electrical systems. It carefully defines the concept as a radial network with a cluster of distributed energy generations, various types of loads, and energy storage systems. In addition, the book details how the huge penetration of distributed energy resources and the intermittent nature of renewable generations may cause system problems. Readers will find this to be an important resource that analyzes and introduces the features and problems of smart distribution networks from different aspects. Integrates different types of elements, including electrical vehicles, demand response programs, and various renewable energy sources in distribution networks Proposes optimal operational models for the short-term performance and scheduling of a distribution network Discusses the uncertainties of renewable resources and intermittent load in the decision-making process for distribution networks