Targeting DSM for transmission and distributions benefits: A case study of PG&E`s Delta District. Final report

This study describes the results of evaluating the impact of a variety of DSM programs on the capacity expansion plan of an actual distribution planning area in Pacific Gas and Electric Company`s service territory. The study makes use of a number of new techniques to develop area specific marginal costs, loads and DSM load impacts. The detailed data is used to develop an integrated least-cost distribution plan for the area. The integrated plan is approximately 30 percent less expansive than the unintegrated distribution expansion plan. PG&E is among a number of utilities that are now beginning to work on increasing the cost-effectiveness of DSM programs with the use of integrated T&D planning. Most of these utilities are experiencing higher T&D costs relative to their costs of generation. Copyright © 1992 Electric Power Research Institute.