Analysis of an energy constrained power system and incorporation of demand response into the load shedding framework

Summaery form only given: Zambia is currently facing an energy crisis. In the recent past ZESCO, the national electricity utility has heightened load shedding, throughout the country. The reason for this being attributed to insufficient water in the reservoirs at Kariba and Itezhitezhi due to “below average” rainfall experienced during the 2014/15 rainy season. The load shedding averages 6-10 hours per day and affects industries, businesses and domestic customers. Load shedding is the last measure used by an electric utility company to avoid a total blackout of the power system. Load shedding for such long hours has great economic impact especially on the mining sector which is the backbone of the Zambian economy. Essential loads like those found in the hospitals like neo-natal units and refrigeration are also greatly affected. This paper seeks to analyse an energy constrained system and to incorporate Demand response as a smarter way of managing the area under the load curve without denying the customer 6-10 hours of electricity supply. Demand response programs are designed to decrease electricity consumption or shift it from on peak to off-peak periods depending on consumers'preferences and lifestyles. Demand response programs can be used by electric system planners and operators as resource options for balancing supply and demand. Demand Response can be a more cost effective alternative than adding generation capabilities to meet the peak or occasional demand spikes. It is a transition from a service driven to a market driven system.