Incorporating transmission and distribution into integrated resource planning

In recent years the utility industry has made great strides in integrated resource planning, a planning process in which the generation and demand-side options for service are compared and evaluated in a consistent, integrated framework. During the transition, and in the new competitive regime of the future, further changes in the way electrical systems are planned will be needed. An expanded planning framework that integrates transmission and distribution into the integrated resource planning framework is advocated.<
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