Agent-Based Simulation of Day-Ahead Energy Markets: Impact of Forecast Uncertainty and Market Closing Time on Energy Prices

This article uses an agent-based system to analyze the potential impact of variable generation on wholesale electricity markets. In particular, it presents a case study to analyse the impact of both wind forecast errors and high levels of wind generation on the outcomes of the day-ahead market. The case study involves six representative days and three simulations (for each day): a base case, where the market closes at 12:00 noon and the bids of a wind producer agent are based on a forecast performed 12 to 36 hours ahead, an updated forecast case, where the market closes at 8:00 p.m., and a perfect case, where production data is offered. The simulation results indicate that wind power forecast uncertainty may influence market-clearing prices, highlighting the importance of potential adaptations to the day-ahead closing time.