A linear programming model for reducing system peak through customer load control programs

A linear programming (LP) model has been developed to optimize the amount of power system peak load reduction through scheduling of control periods in commercial/industrial and residential load control programs at Florida Power and Light Company, USA. The LP model can be used to determine both long and short term control scheduling strategies and for planning the number of customers which should be enrolled in each program. Results of applying the model to a forecasted late 1990s summer peak day load shape are presented. It is concluded that LP solutions provide a relatively inexpensive and powerful approach to planning and scheduling load control. Also, it is not necessary to model completely general scheduling of control periods in order to obtain near best solutions to peak load reduction.