Characterizing Demand Curves Using the Cluster Technique-A Case Study From Ecuador

The introduction of household electrical appliances drives the behavior of residential electricity demand. This behavior generally follows a typical pattern called the demand curve. Since 2013, the government of Ecuador has implemented the Efficient Cooking Program, which entails substituting electricity for liquefied petroleum gas when cooking food. Implementing the program has led to the widespread adoption of induction stoves. As a result, the demand curve has shifted significantly due to new loads. Determining how the introduction of induction stoves affects demand is essential. For this purpose, representing the consumption pattern of induction stoves is necessary. In this work, clustering techniques are used to accomplish this characterization. We analyze a database of 30 induction stoves collected in Loja, Ecuador, through clustering to characterize the demand. Finally, we identify and group similar demand patterns for analysis.