UNIFIED APPROACH TO SUPPORT PLANNING DECISIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATING SYSTEMS.

The approach is based on a modified version of the equivalent load curve, termed the combined load duration curve (CLDC). The viability of the CLDC as an analytic device is established by demonstrating its applicability to reliability analysis, operating cost prediction, sensitivity analysis and tradeoff analysis, which constitute the basic functions of any planning problem in the power field. The CLDC is then discussed in reference to generation planning, rate structure decisions, and environmental analysis. Other possible applications are mentioned in brief. An extension of the approach for supporting planning decisions in power systems operating in a pool environment is also discussed.