Analysis of distribution level residential demand response

Control of end use loads has existed in the form of direct load control for decades. Direct load control systems allow a utility to interrupt power to a medium to large size commercial or industrial customer a set number of times a year. With the current proliferation of computing resources and communications systems the ability to extend the direct load control systems now exists. Demand response systems now have the ability to not only engage commercial and industrial customers, but also the individual residential customers. Additionally, the ability exists to have automated control systems which operate on a continual basis instead of the traditional load control systems which could only be operated a set number of times a year. These emerging demand response systems have the capability to engage a larger portion of the end use load and do so in a more controlled manner. This paper will examine the impact that demand response systems have on the operation of an electric power distribution system.