The future of distribution systems in the deregulated environment: opportunities and challenges

Summary form only given. In the past, distribution systems have not received as much attention as generation and transmission systems. Restructuring of the electric utility industry is causing widespread changes in the power distribution sector. The growing needs of individual customers and the innovative technologies being developed to meet such requirements coupled with regulatory supervision are the driving forces that are bringing about a new revolution in distribution systems. In the first part of this paper, the changes taking place due to deregulation will be delineated. The second part focuses on identifying opportunities and challenges resulting from these changes.