Simulation Platform for Optimal Pricing of a Distribution Utility with Distributed Energy Resources Operating in a Residential Community

The current power grid system in the Philippines allows the consumers to utilize any amount of electrical energy as long as they can pay for it. As a response, the utilities need to meet the demand at all times by purchasing energy from the generating plants whatever the cost may be. Today, these distribution utilities started to explore the usage of distributed energy resources in order to cater these varying demands, especially the peak demand. Moreover, the number of consumers which implemented transactive energy schemes also continues to increase. If this interaction between the utility and the consumers will be well-coordinated, reduction in the electricity price and energy consumption would be possible. This paper describes a computing tool and was able to (1) solve for the electricity tariff, (2) produce schedule of energy dispatch from distributed generators and storage systems and (3) perform proper demand-side management through scheduling of appliance operations, in order to reduce the cost of customer energy consumption at the same time maximize the allowable utility profit.