A power systems analysis software package for open electricity markets

This paper reports a power system analysis tool with particular emphasis on its application in open electricity markets. Traditionally, vertically integrated utilities are planned and operated to provide generation to meet load demand in an economical and reliable manner. With the emergence of open electricity market, power systems have become more complex because utilities have to desegregate to promote competition and allow open network access by market participants for electricity trading and generation purposes. Yet few software tools are available to assess special issues of the power system in an open market environment, particularly for business professionals. This paper presents a power system analysis software package for such purpose. Using basic system data from public domain, the package allows users with little expertise to gain knowledge for electricity trading, costing and generator investment purposes. When detailed technical data are available, it can be used for practical investigation by professional engineers. Hence, the same package can assist both business and engineering professionals to broaden their knowledge and understanding of complex issues of open market power systems.