IEEE ISGT Asia 2013 1569809675

A Novel Grading Scheme for Loads to Optimize

Load Shedding Using Genetic Algorithm in a Smart
Grid Environment
1

K. Uma Rao, 2Satyaram Harihara Bhat, 3Ganeshprasad G G, 4Jayaprakash G , 5Selvamani N Pillappa

R.V.College of Engineering/Electrical and Electronics Department, Bangalore, India
Email: 1drumarao@yahoo.co.in, 2satyahbhat@gmail.com

commercial etc. Under current load shedding scheme, a feeder

containing industrial loads is assigned higher priority due to
their high revenue return to the distribution company and kept
operational to maximum extent possible. Also there is no
facility for cost analysis for load shedding. Neither does an
optimum strategy exist to optimize any factor, such as cost,
discomfort etc.
In order to maintain continuous power supply to metropolitan
cities, load shedding is done in rural and sub urban areas for
around 12-14 hours a day. In general, feeders have a larger
proportion of domestic loads, which are non-critical. Since,
under the current scheme there is no control on the individual
loads, the probability of utilizing power in supplying non
critical loads rather than critical loads is quite high. By current
load shedding scheme social injustice is done to important
loads installed in rural and sub urban areas. Each load prefers
its own priority time and if not supplied at right time,
consumer may suffer from revenue loss (such as industrial and
commercial), level of comfort (such as domestic) etc. Likewise
the distribution companies suffer revenue loss, if a consumer
paying higher tariff is subjected to load shedding. Hence for an
effective power distribution system it is critical to supply
power to the right load at the right time. Keeping these
aspects in view, Smart grid system looks advantageous over
the conventional system with higher flexibility in load control.
A smart grid is defined as a power system that serves millions
of customers and has an intelligent communications
infrastructure enabling the timely secure and adaptable
information flow needed to provide power to the evolving
digital economy(EPRI, intelligird 2007)[2].
In a smart grid system, each electrical connection from
Distribution Company is considered as one lumped load and
smart devices are used to communicate the power
consumption, voltage, power factor etc. to the control centre at
regular intervals of time. The control centre controls the load
by remote switching of individual loads and manages power
distribution. Basic advantage for load shedding on smart grid
platform is that each load can be independently controlled
based on the data available. This provides an opportunity for
implementation of methods for exact amount of load shedding.

Abstract In developing countries, a large growth in power

demand necessitates the efficient distribution of available power.
Whenever power demand is more than the power generation load
shedding is carried out. Under the current scheme, load shedding
is done by disconnecting an entire feeder, employing Round
robin technique. In most cases, this method fails to shed exact
amount of load resulting in either over-shedding or undershedding. Further, load shedding is done regardless of the type of
the load connected to a feeder. This Paper proposes a novel
grading scheme for loads to minimize the impact of load shedding
by taking revenue loss and social factors into consideration. The
genetic algorithm developed minimizes the error between the
amount of load to be shed and the actual load shed,
simultaneously optimizing the overall impact of load shedding.
The algorithm is developed for a smart grid environment,
assuming a two way communication between the consumer and
the utility is present. The algorithm is tested on a sample system
comprising practical feeder data.
Keywords Load shedding, Smart grid, Genetic algorithm
(GA), Grading of loads, Optimization, Intelligent load
shedding (ILS).

I.
INTRODUCTION
In developing countries like India, a mismatch between
power generation and power demand necessitates load
shedding to sustain system stability. In such a scenario of
increasing power demand, effective power utilization and
effective power distribution to the consumers plays a vital role.
Due to generation deficiency, load shedding becomes
unavoidable. Hence, it is better to reduce the impact of load
shedding from both distribution company and consumers
perspective by incorporating intelligent load shedding
techniques thereby improving the efficacy of power
distribution.
Load dispatch centre (LDC) is responsible for power
allotment to each substation based on the availability of power.
Whenever, there is deficiency of power generation intimation
is sent to the substation to shed a particular amount of load. In
current load shedding scheme, entire feeder is disconnected
regardless of the type of the loads connected to it, whose
power consumption is almost equal to the amount of load to be
shed. Currently, round robin technique is employed for load
shedding by dividing the entire load shedding duration into
blocks of half an hour or one hour. This technique causes over
shedding in most of the cases reducing the effective utilization
of available power. However, it is to be noted that a single
feeder contains mixed loads such as domestic, industrial,

II. TARIFF SCHEMES

Loads can be categorized into various tariffs based upon the
service standards set up by the distribution company in the
citizen charter. There are two main types of tariffs- low tension
and high tension tariffs. Various loads falling under respective
tariff type are shown in Table I.

2
TABLE I.
CATEGORIZATION OF LOADS INTO TARIFFS
Tariff

Type of loads

LT1

Domestic (free up to 18 units)

LT2

Residential, Institutions

LT3

Commercial

LT4

Agricultural induction pumps

LT5

Industrial

LT6

Water works, Street lights

LT7

Temporary connections

HT1

Water works

HT2

Industrial ,Commercial

HT3

Agriculture and Horticulture Farms

5. Any other consideration by the power distribution

company (10%).
In grading scheme, loads are graded by assigning different
weightages to different parameters as mentioned above. A base
grade value is given for each category taking importance of
load, revenue loss to the distribution company, social impacts
into consideration.
Grade points assigned to a particular load depends on the
specifications of the distribution company. However, the range
of base value assigned for a load can be subjected to revision
based on the requirements of a particular control centre. In
practice, a prior survey is conducted and various data about the
loads is collected. Based on the data collected, and
requirements of a particular load, the control centre assigns a
base value for each load, which is the maximum value of the
grade point for the load in that category.
Grade points assigned to each load (G) = P i * Wi
Where,
Pi Points assigned to a particular factor.
Wi Weight given to that particular factor, for that particular
load.
Factors considered and weights given for a particular load can
be specific to the load control centre which manages load
shedding. Grading scheme is flexible and can incorporate any
factors based on requirement of the distribution company. For
better understanding, some examples of grading and
corresponding look up tables are presented here.

III. PROPOSED GRADING SCHEME FOR LOADS

A. Why Grading?
It is very important to supply power to the right consumer at
right time of the day. Load categories under various tariffs as
well as different loads under a particular tariff are not
differentiated based on any priority under the current scheme.
Also, the priority time of usage for different loads under a
tariff can be different. For example, a commercial load
category may include hotels, malls; theatres etc. and priority
time for each of them may be different. Within Domestic Load
category, some consumers may require power supply early in
the morning and some other in late afternoon. Consumers
should be allowed to choose their priority time and thereby,
provide more flexibility for power distribution. In the current
scheme no attention is given at all to the consequences of load
shedding from a consumers perspective. An intelligent load
shedding strategy, should consider prioritization of these loads
for better revenue return to the distributor (reducing cost loss
due to shedding), improved sustainability and reliability of
power supply.

1).Number of units of power consumption

Number of units of power consumption gives an idea about
the size of the industry and number of people affected by the
load shedding. The corresponding grade point is as shown in
Table II.
TABLE II
WEIGHTS FOR NUMBER OF UNITS OF POWER CONSUMPTION

B. Grading Scheme for Loads

Grading is a tool or method used to differentiate the loads
of different category and also the loads within a particular
category. The priorities are assigned based on not only the
importance of the load but also the economic aspects, both
from consumer and utility perspective. This grading scheme
provides a unique opportunity to control the individual loads
based on certain factors. Various factors considered and the
weightage of each factor for developing the algorithm are as
follows;

Number of units of power consumption in one

month (units)

Weight

< 1 M.U.

0.9-1

0.5 M.U 0.1 M.U.

0.8-0.9

0.1 M.U-0.5 M.U.

0.7 -0.8

10,000- 1,00,000

0.6-0.7

1000-10000

0.5-0.6

500-1000

0.4-0.5

100-500

0.2-0.4

< 100

0-0.2

2) Revenue loss to the power distribution company

Revenue loss to the distribution company by load shedding
depends on tariff paid by the consumer. Based on Tariff
schemes of BESCOM, points table considering revenue loss to
the distribution company can be generated as shown in Table
III.

1. Number of units of power consumption- (10 %).

2. Social impact of load shedding (20%).
3. Revenue loss and discomfort to the consumer- (30%).
4. Revenue loss to the power distribution company (30
%).

3
TABLE III
WEIGHTS FOR REVENUE LOSS TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
Tariff paid by the consumer/unit
(Rs)

Grading example,
1. Consider an automobile industry with power
requirement of 2, 50, 000 units per month and pays a
tariff of Rs 6 per unit. Revenue of the company in one
hour is estimated to be Rs 1, 20, 000.

Weight

6-7

0.9-1.0

4-6

0.75-0.9

2.5-4

0.4-0.75

<2.5

0-0.4

Assume the base value to be 50. Then the values for

different parameters are as follows
x Power Consumption (10%) = 5
x Social impact (20%) = 10
x Revenue loss to consumer (30%) = 15
x Revenue loss to utility (30%) = 15
x Other considerations (10%) = 5
Now for each of these base values, the weight for a
given load is as per the tables discussed above. Thus,
the grade point is calculated as,

3) Revenue loss to the consumer

Number of units of electric power required by a consumer
plays an important role in deciding the extent of revenue loss
due to load shedding. However, calculation of exact revenue
loss to a consumer due to load shedding is very difficult. But,
the economic loss due to load shedding for duration of time
can be computed in terms of the extra revenue that the
consumer can generate if provided with power at his priority
time. An alternate way would be to consider the additional
amount a consumer has to spend to generate his own power
with a diesel generator set, solar power etc. Hence, relative
grade points can be assigned by estimating the revenue to the
consumer in one working hour. The relative grade points can
be assigned as shown in Table IV.

Grade Point
G=5*0.85+10*0.68+15*0.9+15*0.82+5*0.8
=40.9
(* Weights for social impact and other considerations
have to be given on the impact of the load such as
environmental, job generation and considerations of the
utility etc)
2. Consider a domestic load with power consumption of
250 units per month, pays a tariff of Rs 3 per unit.
The estimated revenue per hour is about Rs 250.
Grade point
G=5*0.3+15*0.5+15*0.15+10*0.3+5*0.5
=16.8

TABLE IV
WEIGHTS FOR REVENUE LOSS TO THE CONSUMER
Revenue Generated/Hour ( Rs)

Weight

<2,00,000

0.9-1

1,00,000-2,00,000

0.8-0.9

50,000-1,00,000

0.65-0.8

20,000-50,000`

0.5-0.65

10,000-20,000

0.4-0.5

5000-10,000

0.3-0.4

1000-5000

0.15-0.3

<1000

0-0.2

The base value given above can be decided by the utility and
assigned a value in the range 0-50, depending on the type of
load, time of day, requirements of utility, tariff considerations
etc. The base values assigned can be dynamic and even change
during the day, depending on time of the day pricing.
A load pattern of % base value v/s time of the day is created
for each category of loads indicating the priority time for each
load. Load pattern is created on hourly basis for 24 hours of
the day. At each hour of the day relative importance is given
to a particular type of load. The importance assignment should
be based on the customer requirement and the availability of
power. Typical load patterns for domestic and industrial loads
are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 respectively.

4) Severity of load shedding

This factor takes social impact of load shedding and gives
relative importance to public utilities. The corresponding
weights table is as shown in Table V.

load pattern for domestic loads

TABLE V
WEIGHTS FOR SEVERITY OF LOAD SHEDDING

Weight

Hospitals ,Health care units, Medicals

0.9-1.0

Public utilities, water works , street lighting

0.8-0.9

Educational institutions, Agriculture and

horticulture plants

0.7-0.8

Large industries, commercials

0.5-0.7

Small industries and commercials

0.3-0.5

Domestic heating, lighting

% of base value

Utilities

200

150
100
50

load pattern
for

0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718192021222324
time of the day

Fig. 1. Load pattern for domestic loads

0-0.3

coding the parameter set. The steps followed for developing

the algorithm are briefly explained below.
1. A sample load system of 100 loads belonging to
various categories is taken from a distribution
substation in South India.
2. Load profile for the sample system is prepared.
3. A priority pattern table defining priority to each load is
taken.
4. A pool of 32 chromosomes each consisting of 100
genes is created. Each binary bit of a chromosome
represents a load. The pool consists of chromosomes
spreading over entire search space of 2^100
combinations.
5. Binary 1 and 0 represent OFF and ON state of a
load respectively.
6. Tournament Strategy of genetic algorithm is applied to
narrow down the chromosome pool to 4 chromosomes.
7. Above four chromosomes are subjected to objective
function, rigorous crossover using multipoint
crossover technique, mutation until best solution for
load shedding is obtained.

load pattern for Industrial loads

% of base value

200

150
100

50
0
2

load pattern
for Industrial
loads
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
time of the day

Fig. 2. Load pattern for industrial loads

It can be seen that the industrial load peaks from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m., while the domestic load has a different peak time. A
load pattern indicates the multiplicity of a base value that has
to be assigned as a grade point to a load at a particular time of
the day. The load pattern shown is the general pattern for a
particular type of load. Load pattern for each load is created by
the mutual agreement between the consumer and the
Distribution Company so that a high grade point is assigned to
a consumer at his priority time. Grade points assigned to a load
varies at each and every hour of the day. For example a
commercial mall and a hotel fall in same tariff category. They
may have almost equal base value considering their relative
importance as specified above. Since their operating times are
different, grade points assigned to them peaks at different time
as per the agreement between the consumer and distribution
company. That is even if the base value assigned to hotel and
mall are same in the morning hotel will have higher grade
points than mall and in the afternoon mall will have higher
grade point than hotel as per the time priority assigned to
them. The time priority is expressed as multiplicity to the base
value at that instant of time as shown in the graphs above.

B. Flowchart of Implementation
A detailed flowchart explaining the method adopted
for developing the load shedding program is as shown
in the Fig. 3.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHM

Genetic algorithms are the search algorithms based on
natural genetics concept. They combine Darwinian survival
of the fittest among string structures with a structured yet
randomized information exchange to form a search algorithm
with some of the innovative flair of human search. Genetic
algorithms mimic the process of evolution and the key idea in
developing algorithm is that evolution is an optimizing
process.
Fig. 3 Flowchart of the Grading algorithm

A. Algorithm Developed

V. CASE STUDY AND RESULTS

A test system of 100 loads belonging to different
categories of loads is considered for developing the
algorithm. The classification of loads into different
categories is as shown in the Table I. The program of
grading scheme for loads on smart grid platform is
developed using MATLAB R2010a of Math works. Total

The objective function of the algorithm consists of two

parts, (i) Error between the amount of load to be shed and the
amount of load being shed. (ii) Optimizing Grading function
which is the sum of grade points of all the loads being shed.
The second part of the objective function accounts for factors
such as revenue loss, social impact etc. A simultaneous
optimization is carried out on probabilistic transition rules for

power consumption of the load profile considered for

simulation is 2 MW. A database consisting of the grade
points of each load for 24 hours of the day is prepared and
used for the calculations.

The sum of the grade points of loads being shed is 865. The
load shedding error is 0.8976 kW. The best possible solution
for loading is as shown in Table IX.
TABLE IX.
LOAD SHEDDING SOLUTION AT 2:00 P.M.

Case (i): Load shedding requirement is 700 kW at 9:00

a.m.
The grade points of 100 loads at 9:00 a.m. are as shown in
the Table VI. Grade points are read continuously along the
rows of the table.
Table VI
GRADE POINTS AT 9:00 A.M.

The solutions obtained shows that the loads having low

priority at the instant of load shedding, in each category is
chosen for shedding so that important loads in every category
are kept in operation and loads which are not so important in
each category are shed.
The algorithm developed minimizes not only the load
shedding error but also the impact of the load shedding. Since,
the grade points change based on the time of the day, relative
importance given to each load also changes at different time of
the day. Hence, different loads are shed at different time of the
day, even if the load shedding requirement is same.

The sum of grade points of all loads shed is 739. The loads
to be shed are computed using GA and the error in load
shedding is 0.6994 kW. The best possible solution with the
specified requirements for load shedding is as shown in
Table VII.
Table VII.
LOAD SHEDDING SOLUTION AT 9:00 A.M.

Efficiency of the algorithm developed in minimizing the

load shedding error is tested by running the program for
different load shedding requirement at 9:00 a.m. The graph of
percentage error in load shedding v/s the amount of load to be
shed expressed as percentage of total power consumption is as
shown Fig. 4.

% error

0.05
Case (ii): Load shedding requirement is 700 kW at 2:00
p.m.
The grade points of 100 loads at 2:00 p.m. are as shown in
the Table VIII.

Minimization of load shedding

error
%error in

TABLE VIII.
GRADE POINTS AT 2:00 P.M.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Fig. 4 Graph of minimization of load shedding error
The graph shown in Fig. 4 shows that, the efficiency of
algorithm in minimizing the load shedding error is well within
0.05 % of amount load to be shed. This is an exceptionally
good result for the optimization of load shedding error. The
algorithm is also tested for efficiency in cost optimization in
load shedding. The ratio of cost of loads being shed to the total
grade points of all the loads at that instant of time is always
lesser than the ratio of amount of load being shed to the total
load before shedding. Hence the efficiency in cost
optimization is high.

Which comes out to be about 2% of total revenue generated in

the period considered.
Hence, by the application of the proposed algorithm available
power is utilized to the maximum extent and a considerable
revenue is saved for the substation, even if the load shedding
duration is only 3 hours. In summer, load is shed for about 8 to
12 hours per day in sub-urban and rural areas. Hence, huge
revenue can be generated by utilizing the available power in an
efficient method.

VI. COMPARISON OF LOAD SHEDDING SCHEMES

The current load shedding scheme and the algorithm
developed are compared considering revenue generated in
each scheme. Eight feeders of a substation in Karnataka are
considered for the comparison of the current load shedding
scheme and the proposed load shedding scheme. The power
consumption in the time period from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
when peak power demand occurs is as shown in Table X.
Table X
LOAD PROFILE
Feeder

Power consumption
interval(MW)
10:00 a.m.

in

specified

11:00 a.m.

VII. CONCLUSION
The algorithm provides a unique opportunity to control the
loads individually in smart grid environment and also
optimizes the value of load to be shed during a particular time
of the day based on the priority assigned to it. By the
application of this algorithm exact amount of load can be shed
based on requirement so that available power is utilized to the
maximum extent. Available power is supplied to the
consumers in need at their priority time even if there is a
shortage of power and power supply is made unavailable to
those consumers to whom power supply at that time is not
absolutely necessary. The algorithm tries to reduce the impact
of load shedding using grading scheme. The algorithm
developed tries to improve the customer satisfaction and
customer participation in the load management. The scheme
improves efficacy of power distribution. It reduces the revenue
loss to the distribution company and also to the consumers as
they get power at their priority time. Continuous supply can be
maintained to critical loads like hospitals and health care
systems, data centres, cold storages etc. The public utilities are
given more importance. The amount of power to be purchased
from other utilities to power continuously to the important
consumer can be minimized, by supplying power to those
consumers in need and by not wasting power in supplying non
critical loads. The flexibility of the method lies in the fact that,
the grades can be changed depending on the priorities dictated
by the control centre. The grades can even be dynamic, by
assuming different values in different periods of the day, to
reflect time of day pricing, if it is adopted.

time

12:00 p.m.

F1

2.9

3.1

2.8

F2

1.5

1.6

1.5

F3

3.4

3.3

F4

1.5

1.6

1.5

F5

2.0

2.2

2.1

F6

1.3

1.4

1.4

F7

2.3

2.6

2.7

F8

2.7

2.7

2.6

Consider a load of 2.6 MW is to be shed for 3 hours from

10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m.In the current load shedding scheme, the
duration of 3 hour is divided into 6 blocks each of 30 minutes
duration. A feeder having the power consumption nearly equal
to the load shedding requirement is disconnected from the
power supply. In practice, a feeder having power consumption
greater than load shedding requirement is shed. Generally
over-shedding is preferred over the under-shedding for
maintaining the system stability. Feeders are disconnected in a
round robin manner. Each feeder is disconnected for 30
minutes. The load shedding solution is shown in Table XI.
Table XI
LOAD SHEDDING SOLUTION

Block of time

Feeder
disconnected

Over shedding of loads

(MW)

F1

2.9-2.6=0.3

F3

3-2.6=0.4

F2,F4

3.2-2.6=0.6

F5,F6

3.6-2.6=1.0

F8

2.6-2.6=0

F7

2.7-2.6=0.1

VIII. REFERENCES
[1]. ShervinShokooh, TanujKhandelwal, Dr. FarrokhShokooh,Jacques
Tastet, Dr. JJ Dai, Intelligent Load Shedding Need for a Fast and
Optimal Solution,IEEE PCIC Europe 2005
[2]. David Mayne, How the smart grid will energise the world-white
paper, Digi international inc.

Total number of extra units of power which can be supplied by

the correct amount of load shedding is,

[3]. David E Goldberg, Genetic Algorithm, Pearson education

publication, 2011, ISBN- 978-81-7758-829-3.

(0.3+0.4+0.6+1.0+0+0.1) / 2 = 1.2*10 3 Units

[4]. Ahmed M. Azmy, A. A. E Shammah, A. Abou El-Ela, Optimal

Location of Remote terminal Units in Distribution System Using
Genetic Algorithm, 14th International Middle East power Systems
Conference, Cairo University, Egypt, December 19-21,2010.

Considering a tariff of 3 Rupees per Unit, extra revenue that

can be earned is,

[5]. Ahmed M. Azmy, A. A. E Shammah, A. Abou El-Ela, Optimal

Location of Remote terminal Units in Distribution System Using
Genetic Algorithm, 14th International Middle East power Systems
Conference, Cairo University, Egypt, December 19-21, 2010, Paper
ID 296.

1.2*103*3= 3,600 Rupees

(Three thousand six hundred Rupees)