DA/DSM directions. An overview of distribution automation and demand-side management with implications of future trends

Distribution automation (DA) and demand-side management (DSM) have been the subject of discussion, evaluation, experimentation, and limited implementation for the last 10 to 15 years. At long last, it now appears the power industry is ready to proceed with full-scale implementation. The communication systems seem to be available and affordable, a number of suppliers are offering products specifically designed for the application, and the systems that have been put in place have demonstrated benefits. In addition, the results to date seem to imply a new direction for final implementation, which, for the first time, would offer the possibility of bringing together the complete picture of system operation. Here, the author presents an overview of distribution automation and demand-side management together with implications of future trends.<>