Reliability worth of distribution system network reinforcement considering dispersed customer cost data

Reliability cost/worth analysis plays an important role in distribution system planning and operation. The interruption cost model used in the analysis directly affects the predicted reliability worth used to make reinforcement decisions. Two cost models are presented that can be used in reliability cost analysis: an average or aggregate model; and a probability distribution model. A time sequential simulation technique is illustrated for distribution system reliability cost/worth assessment using the two developed cost models and incorporating time-varying loads. The technique is used to evaluate the reliability worth of installing lateral fuses, disconnect switches and alternate supplies in a test distribution system. The results show that using the average or aggregate model can result in underestimating the reliability worth, and that the probability distribution model approach may be more meaningful