Abstract
A decision-making approach based on multi-criteria techniques can help to make the massive deployment of the microgrid concept a viable solution, potentially leading to proper incentive mechanisms for distribution system operators, microgeneration owners and loads. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Abstract
Exploiting the benefit that one can get from large scale integration of microgeneration (mu G) requires the adoption of different control strategies at different distribution network levels. In that sense, MicroGrid (MG) and Multi MicroGrids (MMG) concepts may be seen as a way to facilitate integration of higher levels of mu G into the system. This paper describes new control and management functionalities used to take profit from the presence of microgeneration and active loads under MG and MMG concepts. MultiCriteria Decision Aid (MCDA) techniques are used to capture decision maker's preferences in evaluating the impact of MG and MMG concepts deployment and help selecting the best development strategy.

Abstract
In open energy markets, the settlement process between distribution operators and traders is made on an hourly (or 15 min) basis, while LV consumers' billing data continues to result from monthly energy bills. In order to reconcile these two different realities, load profiling is used as a means to redistribute the consumed energy of each trader's portfolio by hourly intervals, according to recorded consumption patterns. This paper presents a new clustering approach to derive typical load diagrams that can be used in the process. The algorithm uses real load diagrams obtained in measurement campaigns to define classes (in the billing information space) that maximize the compactness of the diagrams in each class. The methodology was developed in a project with EDP Distribution (the Portuguese distribution system operator) and the result was approved by the Regulatory Authority that adopted the proposed profiles for market use.

Abstract
The large-scale integration of microgeneration (MG) can bring several technical benefits, such as: improving the voltage profile, reducing power losses and allowing for network capacity investment deferral. Furthermore, it is now widely accepted that introducing new renewable MG, such as wind turbines, photovoltaic panels or biomass can help control carbon emissions, reduce our dependence on oil and contribute to a sustainable energy growth. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the benefits of MG on avoided losses, voltage profiles and branch congestion. The main goal is to clarify whether the current regulatory framework allows for obtaining all the MG potential gains. The main conclusion is that some legal constraints should be removed, or at least relaxed, in order to promote the growth of distributed power generation, particularly, for domestic MG.

Abstract
The basic objective of Transmission Expansion Planning (TEP) is to schedule a number of transmission projects along an extended planning horizon minimizing the network construction and operational costs while satisfying the requirement of delivering power safely and reliably to load centres along the horizon. This principle is quite simple, but the complexity of the problem and the impact on society transforms TEP on a challenging issue. This paper describes a new approach to solve the dynamic TEP problem, based on an improved discrete integer version of the Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) meta-heuristic algorithm. The paper includes sections describing in detail the EPSO enhanced approach, the mathematical formulation of the TEP problem, including the objective function and the constraints, and a section devoted to the application of the developed approach to this problem. Finally, the use of the developed approach is illustrated using a case study based on the IEEE 24 bus 38 branch test system.

Abstract
This paper describes a Dynamic Model of the electricity sector that can be used to simulate the evolution of some key variables on the long term, namely the evolution of the electricity price, of the demand and of the capacity factors of the technologies in the generation mix. This model can be used in different ways and by several agents, for instance to estimate the impact on the electricity price of the increasing presence of renewable power stations, namely using wind power and PV systems. In several countries these stations are paid feed-in tariffs with a fixed price but in some cases this scheme is under discussion and there are opinions that payments determined by the market price are more adequate and would bring fewer costs to final consumers. Such a change has to be carefully evaluated given that the presence of renewable stations bidding at an infra marginal price will affect the price itself. The model described in this paper can be used in a profitable way both by governmental agencies when preparing or studying alternative remuneration schemes to renewable stations or by promoters themselves to get more insight to the profitability of their investments, namely if the fixed feed-in tariffs in force in several countries are changed.