Balancing electricity supply with distribution network constraints

The need for electricity demand to adapt to distribution network constraints and intermittent supply from renewable generators is widely recognised. However addressing both these goals simultaneously with a single demand side management scheme is difficult within a deregulated industry framework. This paper describes a scalable method by which electricity suppliers can shape demand from domestic and SME consumers, particularly that arising from adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles. A process is proposed by which Distribution Network Operators notify a maximum power profile for each connection to the supplier, who then uses it to shape demand from each consumer so that DNO limits are satisfied as a priority, and demand responds to supply availability as far as possible.