Network and power applications for EMS within a competitive environment

Deregulation, privatization and competitive markets for electricity have effected sustained changes in both the organizational structures of the electricity supply industry as well as the operation of power systems. Worldwide, several deregulation models are in use or under discussion. The initial deregulation efforts have focused on the wholesale electric market, along with the associated need for open and equal access to the transmission systems. Efforts related to bringing competition to the retail customers have also been undertaken, usually at a slower pace. The impact of these changes on power system operation has been most significant on communication systems and energy management systems (EMS). Up to this point there has been little effect on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and distribution management systems (DMS). This paper focuses on the changes and new functions, in the power and network application portions of an EMS, which support operation in the competitive environment.