Abstract
This paper addresses a framework for expansion planning of an active distribution network (ADS) that supplies its downward active microgrids (AMGs) and it participates in the upward wholesale market to sell its surplus electricity. The proposed novel model considers the impact of coordinated and uncoordinated bidding of AMGs and demand response providers (DRPs) on the optimal expansion planning. The problem has six sources of uncertainty: upward electricity market prices, AMGs location and time of installation, AMGs power generation/consumption, ADS intermittent power generations, DRP biddings, and the ADS system contingencies. The model uses the conditional value at risk (CVaR) criterion in order to handle the trading risks of ADS with the wholesale market. The proposed formulation integrates the deterministic and stochastic parameters of the risk-based expansion planning of ADS that is rare in the literature on this field. The introduced method uses a four-stage optimisation algorithm that uses genetic algorithm, CPLEX and DICOPT solvers. The proposed method is applied to the 18-bus and 33-bus test systems to assess the proposed algorithm. The proposed method reduces the aggregated expansion planning costs for the 18-bus and 33-bus system about 44.04% and 11.82% with respect to the uncoordinated bidding of AMGs/DRPs costs, respectively.

Abstract
A computational model for designing direct-load control (DLC) demand response (DR) contracts is presented in this paper. The critical and controllable loads are identified in each node of the distribution system (DS). Critical loads have to be supplied as demanded by users, while the controllable loads can be connected during a determined time interval. The time interval at which each controllable load can be supplied is determined by means of a contract or compromise established between the utility operator and the corresponding consumers of each node of the DS. This approach allows us to reduce the negative impact of the DLC program on consumers' lifestyles. Using daily forecasting of wind speed and power, solar radiation and temperature, the optimal allocation of DR resources is determined by solving an optimization problem through a genetic algorithm where the energy content of conventional power generation and battery discharging energy are minimized. The proposed approach was illustrated by analyzing a system located in the Virgin Islands. Capabilities and characteristics of the proposed method in daily and annual terms are fully discussed, as well as the influence of forecasting errors.

Abstract
This paper investigates the optimal allocation of Spinning Reserve (SR) for power systems in the presence of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Electrical Energy Storage (EES) devices. This is done in order to reduce the system's dependency on thermal generation units and the decrease total daily operational cost. A Security Constrained Unit Commitment (SCUC) model for a typical power system was used, which includes thermal and renewable generation units and EES devices in the form of batteries. In the proposed model, the hourly operation strategy is determined by adopting a predetermined level of SR. In order to optimize SR requirements, the Independent System Operator (ISO) runs the SCUC problem and determines the minimum SR that should be provided by generation units and EES devices. The simulation results illustrate that by optimizing the operation of batteries, the ISO can effectively reduce the required capacity of thermal units. Therefore, optimal SR allocation under RES uncertainty is determined in this study.

Abstract
The motion of cloud over a photovoltaic (PV) power station will directly cause the change of solar irradiance, which indirectly affects the prediction of minute-level PV power. Therefore, the calculation of cloud motion speed is very crucial for PV power forecasting. However, due to the influence of complex cloud motion process, it is very difficult to achieve accurate result using a single traditional algorithm. In order to improve the computation accuracy, a pattern classification and particle swarm optimization optimal weights based sky images cloud motion speed calculation method for solar PV power forecasting (PCPOW) is proposed. The method consists of two parts. First, we use a k-means clustering method and texture features based on a gray-level co-occurrence matrix to classify the clouds. Second, for different cloud classes, we build the corresponding combined calculation model to obtain cloud motion speed. Real data recorded at Yunnan Electric Power Research Institute are used for simulation; the results show that the cloud classification and optimal combination model are effective, and the PCPOW can improve the accuracy of displacement calculation.

Abstract
This paper proposes a stochastic decision making model for a demand response (DR) aggregator as an interface between the market and customers in a competitive environment. The DR aggregator participates in day-ahead (DA) energy and balancing markets as well as offers selling price to the customers to maximize its expected profit, considering the reaction of customers to the rivals' offering prices. Moreover, the effect of load reduction due to implementing DR contracts on the decision making process of the DR aggregator is assessed. However, the main focus is on the operation of both shiftable and sheddable loads in price-based DR programs with detail. In order to investigate the behavior of different DR actions from the DR aggregator viewpoint, the restrictions imposed by the preferences of customers to the decisions made by the DR aggregators are modeled via a bi-level stochastic programming approach. The upper level represents the decisions made by the DR aggregator, while the lower level models the customers' behavior. To deal with various uncertainties, a risk-constrained scenario-based stochastic programming framework is presented where the DR aggregator's risk aversion is modeled using conditional value at risk (CVaR) method. Finally, a detailed illustrative case study based on the Nordic energy market data is provided and the effects of different DR actions and risk aversion factor on the profit of the aggregator are analyzed.

Abstract
Due to influences by power system restructuring, fuel price uncertainties, future demand forecasting, and utilities and transmission lines availability, demand response (DR) programs for consumers have gained more attention. One important DR scheme is the emergency demand response program (EDRP). This paper focuses on simultaneous implementation of security-constraint unit commitment (SCUC) and EDRP by using an economic model. Moreover, a stochastic optimization method is employed for realistic modelling. Since the combined implementation of SCUC and EDRP results in a complex nonlinear optimization problem, a linearization method to ensure computational efficiency is used. The proposed model is formulated as two-stage Stochastic Mixed-Integer Programming ( SMIP) model implemented using GAMS. The implemented model is tested on three case studies using the IEEE 24-bus system. Results are analyzed with a focus on the impact of demand elasticity and electricity prices.