Distribution Network Investment Optimization with Extended Interface

To enhance electricity access and service quality, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the “Guiding Opinions on Regulating Urban Utility Charges and Promoting Industry Development” in December 2020. Full-scale implementation of investment interface extensions is projected to require over 100 billion yuan annually, creating significant financial and management challenges for power grid enterprises. This study addresses these challenges by developing an investment optimization model for distribution networks under extended boundary conditions, aiming to improve investment management and enhance service delivery. An optimization framework is proposed based on maximizing the comprehensive utility degree, integrating key scenario variables such as operational hours and power supply distance. A solution methodology based on a multipopulation genetic algorithm is introduced to effectively solve the multi-constraint optimization problem. Scenario-based analyses yield differentiated investment strategies for high-, medium-, and low-voltage user connection projects, optimizing resource allocation under various operational conditions.