Planning Energy Distribution Systems in an Environment That Accelerates the Use of Distributed Energy Resources

Abstract

Renewable Energy Sources and Distributed Energy Resources are expected to transform the future of system planning and operation. Although, there is a widespread awareness that disruptive technologies will require innovative roles from distribution companies, there is a new set of rules and regulations that remain distant. This study presents an analysis of RES and DER impacts and the planning techniques in use to solve these problems. A Utility new business model reform is presented to allow the comprehension about the distribution role transformation. The Integrated Distribution Planning concept is demonstrated. The future of Utility Planning is idealized based in integration between technical and economical frameworks. The result is an Improved Integrated Distribution Planning method that targets the best Distribution Investment Roadmap and robust economic and financial analysis with the main indicators as EBITDA, Debt Capacity, CAPEX, Enterprise Value, etc. The conclusion is that with the integration presented is possible to reduce the concerns about increased retail electricity rates and cost-shifting to non prosumers, reduced utility shareholder profitability and earnings opportunities.