Evolution of Distribution: Impacts on Grid Planning and Operations [In My View]

The global electricity industry has been changing for decades. This is shown by the evolution of the regulation of utilities, wholesale power markets, and the relationship between bulk power system operations and distribution system operations. Years ago, distribution system owners passively encouraged customer participation in conservation programs but now have become more actively engaged with customers through a variety of offerings such as demand response. In addition, numerous sets of new technologies have been developed and used by utilities for distribution system planning and management. In particular, the application of information and communications technology has steadily increased along with improvements in sensing and measurement technology.