Low voltage electric distribution network planning with demand control

This paper proposes a low voltage (LV) electric distribution network expansion planning (EDNEP) incorporating the possibility for the Distribution System Operator to deploy demand response programs based on load shifting in addition to traditional network reinforcement measures. The proposed EDNEP also considers a topologically meshed cluster of LV networks, so that the expansion may result in the cluster reconfiguration. The EDNEP has been applied to two existing LV clusters operated by Areti S.p.A. and located in Rome, Italy, considering scenarios with a significant load growth due to electrification of end-use consumptions. Results show that load shifting is used in case network constraint violations are small and infrequent, whereas in more critical cases traditional network reinforcements are required.