Evaluating the evolution of distribution networks under different regulatory frameworks with multi-agent modelling

Abstract

In the context of increasing decentralised electricity generation, this paper evaluates the effect of different regulatory frameworks on the evolution of distribution networks. This problem is addressed by means of agent based modelling in which the interactions between the agents of a distribution network and an environment are described. The consumers and the distribution system operator are the agents, which act in an environment that is composed by a set of rules. For a given environment, we can simulate the evolution of the distribution network by computing the actions of the agents at every time step of a discrete time dynamical system. We assume the electricity consumers are rational agents that may deploy distributed energy installations. The deployment of such installations may alter the remuneration mechanism of the distribution system operator. By modelling this mechanism, we may compute the evolution of the electricity distribution tariff in response to the deployment of distributed generation.