Comprehensive Smart Grid Reliability Evaluation Using the Circular q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy MAIRCA–CRITIC Methodology

Abstract The reliability of smart grid systems is crucial for sustainable and secure energy delivery. Modern grids integrate renewable energy sources, electric transportation, and advanced communication technologies, creating complex interactions and substantial operational uncertainty. Traditional reliability assessment methods often struggle with these challenges due to their limited ability to model ambiguity and conflicting criteria. To address these limitations, this study proposes a circular q -rung orthopair fuzzy MAIRCA–CRITIC (C q -ROF MAIRCA–CRITIC) decision-making framework. The method combines circular q -rung orthopair fuzzy sets (Cq-ROFSs), which effectively capture expert hesitation and uncertainty, with the CRITIC objective weighting method and the MAIRCA compromise-ranking approach. The proposed framework enables a systematic evaluation of smart grid reliability across multiple criteria, including voltage stability, system resilience, cybersecurity, and operational risk. A case study demonstrates its effectiveness in prioritizing alternatives under uncertainty and providing reliable decision support for planners and policymakers. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms conventional multi-criteria decision-making methods in adaptability, computational efficiency, and robustness. The framework offers a scalable and uncertainty-aware tool for supporting strategic planning and resource allocation in resilient and sustainable energy systems.