Abstract
Expansion planning of electric power or natural gas networks has become a consuming time engineering task due to the multiple factors that must be taken into account: technical, economic, environmental or social factors. This paper presents an advanced model of natural gas distribution networks based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodologies, to evaluate the cost associated to the expansion of these networks in order to meet a demand imposed by the user in any location of a region. The experimental results show that this approach produces visual and useful information for planning the expansion of natural gas distribution networks.

Abstract
One major practical problem when applying traditional metaheuristics seems to be their strong dependency on parameter tuning. This issue is frequently pointed out as a major shortcoming of metaheuristics and is often a reason for Decision-Makers to reject using this type of approach in practical situations. In this paper we present a new search strategy - Constraint Oriented Neighbourhoods - that tries to overcome the referred drawback. The aim is to control the grade of randomness of metaheuristics, by defining "special" neighbourhood movements, that lead to a more robust heuristic, less dependent on parameter tuning. This is achieved by selecting and applying particular movements that take into account the potential violation of problem constraints. The strategy is illustrated in a real problem arising in the area of Power Systems Management - the Unit Commitment Problem, the computational experiments on a set of problem instances systematically outperforming those presented in the literature, both in terms of efficiency, quality of the solution and robustness of the algorithm.

Abstract
The idea behind the first proposal of the Fuzzy Power Flow (FPF) was to analyze the impact of the uncertainties in load and generation at the power flow level, when no statistical information is available. Further development of the field addressed the optimal power flow problem and the use of fuzzy methodologies to help planners of the composite generation-transmission system. In a market environment, transmission system adequacy may be defined as the ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the transmission of electricity. The starting point of this paper is that FPF can be used as a tool to quantify this adequacy, without the need of making too many assumptions about load and generation uncertainties. However, some changes in the basic concept of the FPF are needed in order to accomplish this task - part of the paper is devoted to the description of the adequate formulation. We'll also show that this formulation can be used both in the normal operation situation and in the reliability evaluation of the transmission system. An illustrative example completes the paper.

Abstract
The emergence of micro-generation as a technically sound alternative has lead, in recent times, to the concept of microgrid, a network of LV consumers and producers able to export electric energy in some circumstances and also to work in a isolated way in emergency situations. Research work about the organization of microgrids, control devices, functionalities and other technical and economic aspects is presently being carried out, in order to establish a consistent technical framework to support the concept. Among other aspects, the effect of microgrids in the reliability of the distribution network has been pointed out as an important advantage, due to the ability of isolated operation in emergency situations. In order to address this topic, the present paper identifies the situations where the existence of a microgrid may reduce the interruption rate and time and thus improve the reliability indices of the distribution network. The relevant expressions necessary to quantify the reliability are also presented. An illustrative example is included, where the global influence of the microgrid in reliability is commented.

Abstract
Classifying consumers, namely LV consumers, in order to assign them typical load diagrams, was always a concern of the electric utilities, which used this kind of information to better manage their distribution networks. Now, with the transition to a completely open market, the need for settlement between distribution operators and traders requires hourly consumption records that are not generally available, so deriving load diagrams for LV consumers is a mandatory task. This paper presents a new methodology for this purpose that uses typical diagrams obtained in measurement campaigns to create classes defined in the commercial information space that maximize the compactness of the diagrams in each class. The methodology was developed in a project with EDP (the Portuguese distribution operator) and the result will probably be adopted by the regulatory authority. © 2005 ISAP.

Abstract
The application of artificial neural networks or other techniques in load forecasting usually outputs quality results in normal conditions. However, in real-world practice, a remarkable number of abnormalities may arise. Among them, the most common are the historical data bugs (due to SCADA or recording failure), anomalous behavior (like holidays or atypical days), sudden scale or shape changes following switching operations, and consumption habits modifications in the face of energy price amendments. Each of these items is a potential factor of forecasting performance degradation. This paper describes the procedures implemented to avoid the performance degradation under such conditions. The proposed techniques are illustrated with real data examples of current, active, and reactive power forecasting at the primary substation level.