Methodological Approaches to Project Monitoring in Multimillion-Dollar Electricity Distribution Programs

This paper proposes innovative methodological approaches to project monitoring within the framework of multimillion-dollar programs aimed at modernizing electric distribution systems. The study is based on a comparative analysis of traditional deterministic planning methods and contemporary digital tools, including multidomain modeling and the integration of distributed energy resources (DER). It provides an in-depth review of existing methodologies, with a particular focus on the use of aggregated baseline scenarios, AC optimal power flow (AC OPF) methods, and the capabilities of network analysis platforms such as PSS®E, OpenDSS, and GridLAB-D. The identified research gap lies in the lack of a comprehensive approach that simultaneously addresses the technical, economic-regulatory, and digital dimensions of distribution system management. The purpose of the study is to examine methodological approaches to project monitoring within multimillion-dollar electricity distribution programs. The novelty of the work lies in offering a new perspective on the existing methodological practices applied to project tracking in such programs, made possible through the analysis of findings from previous research. The insights presented in the article are expected to be of interest to professionals in energy management and experts responsible for implementing large-scale electricity distribution programs, particularly those seeking to enhance project control, evaluation, and adjustment processes through the adoption of advanced methodological tools.