Community DSO: coordinating community flexibility in the low voltage network considering uncertainty

The rapid deployment of low carbon technologies (LCTs) presents a significant challenge for network companies in operating and balancing electricity networks. The Community Distribution System Operator (CDSO) concept proposes a solution to this by engaging with customers and LCTs within small “cells” or energy communities in the low voltage (LV) network. A CDSO aims to manage demand so that it balances generation, for each cell, to the greatest extent possible, to ensure power flows are within the network capacity. To realise this concept, customer demands for electricity, their ability to be flexible, and the topology and design of the LV network all need to be coordinated. An energy community in a cell that co-operates with a DNO/DSO should seek out the best trade-off between maximising revenues, minimising costs, and minimising disruption and inconvenience for customers due to network issues, which includes ensuring that the network assets remain within thermal and voltage limits. The premise of CDSO is that cells can, if properly planned and operated, achieve a better trade-off for community members than a purely bilateral relationship between customers and the DNO.