Utilization of interrupted energy assessment rates to evaluate reliability worth in electric power systems

The adequacy assessment of electric power systems is discussed. Power system planning is concerned both with the level of predicted reliability and the investment/operation alternatives associated with satisfying the desired level. The total societal cost consists of costs associated with required investments and operation of the system and the customer unsupplied energy costs due to electric supply interruptions. The predicted system reliability in quantitative terms and the consumer costs associated with supply interruptions can be used to compute the customer unserved energy costs. This association is formed by the development of a reliability worth factor designated as the interrupted energy assessment rate (IEAR). The authors show how IEAR can be utilized in a generating capacity adequacy study, composite system adequacy study and at each individual customer load point and/or sectors within the overall electric power system in an assessment of the monetary worth of reinforcements. >