A multiple objective decision support model for the selection of remote load control strategies

Utilities frequently use remote load control as an effective means to achieve suitable network operational conditions. This procedure, usually designated load management (LM), is a part of the resources considered under the general designation of demand-side management (DSM). However, the use of LM in electric distribution network management is a problem that involves different conflicting aspects such as reducing peak demand, maximizing utility profits and minimizing discomfort caused to consumers. Hence, the problem is multiobjective in nature: economical, technical and quality of service aspects must all be explicitly accounted for in mathematical models. This paper presents a multiobjective decision support model which allows the consideration of the main concerns that have an important role in LM: minimize peak demand as perceived by the distribution network dispatch center, maximize utility profit corresponding to the energy services delivered by the controlled loads, maximize quality of service in the context of LM.