Customer baseline load models for residential sector in a smart-grid environment

Demand response (DR) can expand the customer participation in the electricity market and lead by changing its pattern from a simple function to an interactive relation. There are various methods to evaluate the successful implementation of DR program, the most important of which is determination of customer baseline load (CBL). In fact, CBL is the expected pattern of customer consumption in the absence of DR programs. Few works have been done in the field of calculation of CBL in residential sector, while most of them have paid little attention to the impact of changes in weather conditions on these calculations. In this paper, a new method is presented for the calculation of CBL for customers in residential sector in the context of a smart grid, considering the impact of weather changes. The results clearly show the high impact of changes in weather conditions on the calculation of CBL, and also show the extent of effect of buildings' improved insulation on this parameter. It is also indicated that implementing DR programs can increase the willingness of customers in residential sector to improve the insulations of their buildings. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.