• Energy Research

Artículos en revistas A Reference Network Model (RNM) is a large-scale distribution planning tool that can help regulators to estimate efficient costs in the context of incentive regulation applied to distribution companies. This paper presents the main features of an RNM developed for planning distribution networks from scratch, greenfield planning, or incrementally from an existing grid. Two properties of the model are highlighted: the simultaneous planning of high-, medium-, and low-voltage networks by using simultaneity factors; and the layout of cables in urban areas, taking into consideration the street map, which is automatically generated by the model. A case study evaluates the impact of these features on the results. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Artículos en revistas This paper proposes an approach to calibrate incentives for continuity of supply in electricity distribution in Spain. This approach consists on the estimation of the impact of continuity of supply improvements on distribution network costs. For this purpose, distribution costs resulting from different continuity of supply requirements are computed by a Reference Network Model (RNM). The results obtained from the RNM are used to estimate a cost-function that considers continuity of supply a cost driver for distribution costs. This methodology is applied to three Spanish areas of service (an urban one, a semi-urban one and a rural one) in such a way that differences in distribution costs caused by the characteristics of the area type can be taken into account. The analysis indicated that distribution costs are more sensitive to continuity of supply improvements in rural areas of service. It also demonstrated that the incentive for reducing number of service interruptions should be higher than the incentive for reducing duration of service interruptions. Finally, the current Spanish incentive scheme for continuity of supply was analyzed under the perspective of the proposed approach. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion