The Economics of Direct Control of Residential Loads on the Design and Operation of the Distribution System Part III The Economics of Load Management

This paper is the third in a series of three papers which address the economics and effects of controlling central air conditioners, electric water heaters, and service voltage on the design and operation of the distribution system. The load characteristics measured throughout a single distribution circuit over a five year period were used as a basis for evaluating the benefits and costs of direct load control on the distribution system. Models were developed to evaluate the impact of various load control strategies on distribution system losses and on changes in the thermal capacity of transformers and cables. A cost summary is presented along with a breakeven analysis which incorporates T&D system benefits in an overall economic evaluation of load control.