Power system planning in distribution networks today and in the future with Smart Grids

This paper is about electric power system planning in Norwegian medium and low voltage distribution networks. The paper describes some of the challenges regarding electric power system planning today. The biggest challenge is the lack of control of the operating conditions in these grids. It is comparable to driving in the dark. With the introduction of ICT into the power system, the light will come on and new possibilities will occur. But the distribution system operators will also face new threats related to data security. The electric power system planning in the future will follow the same methodology as today, but many new factors must be taken into consideration.