Impact of self-production in the operation and regulation of distribution networks

Abstract

The emergence of self-consumption in low voltage consumers has technical and regulatory consequences, due to the changes in the network flows. In this paper these impacts are analysed through a small case study where different production/storage arrangements are considered. The technical analysis shows the voltage profiles' variation and identifies possible overvoltages and the effect of mitigation measures like storage. The regulatory analysis shows that, in order to maintain the remuneration of the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and Transmission System Operator (TSO), network tariffs parameters would change dramatically for the ordinary consumers, unless new rules are defined for the contribution of LV consumers.