Nadezda Belonogova

Analyzing the effects of the customer-side BESS from the perspective of electricity distribution networks

This paper presents an analysis methodology to consider the effects of customer-side battery energy storage systems (BESS) on electricity distribution networks motivated by power-based tariffs. The paper describes the methodology by which the network effects can be defined. The methodology is verified by applying actual distribution network and load data. The analysis shows that transition from traditional energy-based distribution tariff to power-based tariff can lead to an accelerating increase in the application of customer-side energy storages. The results indicate that the network effects of the BESS are significant. The effect of energy storages depends partly on the voltage level of the network component. The results show that peak loads decrease in the case electricity distribution network. The most significant decrease, over 10% on average, is found in the low-voltage network, which is not a minor improvement.

Development options for distribution tariff structures in Finland

In this paper, we study the development options of tariff structures in electricity distribution in Finland. We compare the impacts of three different tariffs from the viewpoints of customers, distribution system operator (DSO), electricity supplier, and society. Analyzed tariffs are (1) energy oriented tariff, which is currently in use, (2) power limit tariff, and (3) power tariff. Based on the analyses, it seems that it is justified to include power based price component in distribution tariff. Generally, the impacts of both analyzed power based tariffs are quite similar. However, it seems that power tariff is a bit stronger candidate. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the benefits of the power-oriented pricing, illustrated in the paper, could be achieved only by well-designed tariff system. Although analyses are based on Finnish case, most of the results are generalizable to other countries also.