Abstract
This paper, which is part one of a two-part series, presents a general methodology for reducing system complexity by calculating the electrical and reliability equivalent models of low and medium voltage distribution networks. These equivalent models help to reduce calculation times while preserving the accuracy assessment of power system reliability performance. The analysis is applied to typical UK distribution systems, which supply four generic load sectors with different networks and demand compositions (residential, commercial and industrial). This approach allows for a direct correlation between reliability performance and network characteristics, while assessing the most representative aggregate values of failure rates and repair times of power components at each load sector. These are used in the Part 2 paper for assessing the potential benefits of energy storage and demand-side resources on the reliability performance of different generic distribution networks. © 2013 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper, which is the second part of a two-part series, considers the influence of distributed energy resource functionalities on reliability performance of active networks. The reliability and network equivalent models defined in the Part 1 paper are used to assess the potential improvements that different demand-side management and energy storage schemes will have on the frequency and duration of customer interruptions. Particular attention is given to energy-related reliability indices which measure the energy and power not supplied to residential and commercial customers. A new theoretical interruption model is also introduced for a more accurate correlation between the different low-voltage and medium-voltage demand profiles and the time when both long and short interruptions are more likely to occur. © 2013 IEEE.

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
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
This paper presents the proof of concept for a new solution to the problem of recomposing missing information at the SCADA of energy/distribution management systems (EMS/DMS), through the use of offline trained autoencoders. These are neural networks with a special architecture, which allows them to store knowledge about a system in a nonlinear manifold characterized by their weights. Suitable algorithms may then recompose missing inputs (measurements). The paper shows that, trained with adequate information, autoencoders perform well in recomposing missing voltage and power values, and focuses on the particularly important application of inferring the topology of the network when information about switch status is absent. Examples with the IEEE RTS 24-bus network are presented to illustrate the concept and technique.

Abstract
This paper reports the application of a new kernel density estimation model based on the Nadaraya-Watson estimator, for the problem of wind power uncertainty forecasting. The new model is described, including the use of kernels specific to the wind power problem. A novel time-adaptive approach is presented. The quality of the new model is benchmarked against a splines quantile regression model currently in use in the industry. The case studies refer to two distinct wind farms in the United States and show that the new model produces better results, evaluated with suitable quality metrics such as calibration, sharpness, and skill score.