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In recognition of the economies of scale, electricity markets are predominantly concentrated on the participation of the supply side. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the advancing enhancement of the communication and control infrastructure across all the levels of modern electricity networks serves as a pathway to the active participation of the electricity consumers. Synchronously, the ongoing growth of intermittent renewable generation, in response to the prominent energy and environmental challenges, highlights the value of operational flexibility. The potential of the demand side to contribute to the economic and reliable operation of modern power systems by providing operational flexibility is constantly evolving. In a deregulated market setting, the prime driver for the realization of such potential would be the benefit of private stake holders. Nevertheless, as electricity markets are designed to facilitate the continuous exchange of energy produced by the supply side, the consideration of a short-term modification in the volume of electricity consumed by the demand side as a tradable resource is not a straightforward process. In this direction, emphasis should be placed on the salient features of the inherent flexibility in the demand for electricity as well as on the market mechanisms enabling the integration of this resource in the operation of power systems. Acknowledging these issues, the present thesis addresses the value of demand-side flexibility within modern electricity markets through modelling the materialization of this resource via the interaction of the electricity market actors. As the means to provoke the flexible behaviour of the demand side is the operation of Demand Response programs, we analyze the synergy between the electricity consumers and a profit seeking Demand Response program operator through a bilevel stochastic optimization model. Moreover, we consider the competitiveness of demand-side flexibility in the electricity market. To that end, we develop novel adaptive agent models related to capitalizing on demand-side flexibility via active and passive Demand Response programs. In light of the salient features of demand-side flexibility, we also formulate a market framework for the efficient integration of this resource in the electricity market and establish the basis for the fair allocation of its value.

The member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), namely; the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been moving towards more economic integration while taking practical steps in the direction of market opening and liberalisation. Over the past ten years, the GCC has evolved into a more integrated economic zone with agreed common policies that are coordinated through its Secretariat. With respect to service utilities, the GCC Interconnection Grid – nearing completion in 2011 – is considered a milestone in the direction of integrating GCC electricity markets. The objective of this research is to suggest a GCC-wide policy to support reform of GCC electricity markets. The suggested policy would include new market structure(s) as well as institutional changes supported - when required - by sector specific laws and regulations. Further to the study’s academic contributions, the research is primarily intended to advance the further development of the economies of GCC member states. The study presents a model that we believe could contribute to expediting the process of developing the GCC zone as a common market by advising policy makers on the applicable elements of GCC electricity market structure, governance and performance. This study provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical aspects of electricity sector restructuring and examines different options for reform and restructuring based on worldwide experiences. The study adopts a case study research method to analyse the GCC situation in order to arrive at the recommended policy or ‘model’. The research specifically emphasises reforms that have already taken place in the Sultanate of Oman – for which an empirical social cost benefit analysis is carried out - and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Oman and Abu Dhabi are believed to be at more advanced stages of electricity market reform compared to other countries within the region. The study concludes that while some GCC member states have already taken the initial steps to restructure their respective electricity markets, other members are expected to follow. The study recommends a set of common steps or ‘rules’ that are presented in the form of a ‘model’ for restructuring GCC electricity markets. The proposed model for reform takes into consideration the nature of member states’ economies as well as the restrictions imposed by market size limitations and some other considerations that are a feature of prevailing policies in the region - such as commitments to subsidise consumer electricity tariffs. Since not all GCC member states are on an equal footing in terms of economy-size and preparation for structural reform, the suggested model allows for a transition mechanism. The study recommends that the electricity markets are unbundled before embarking on any further privatisation programmes. Further measures of wholesale competition may be then introduced allowing for a mix of both private and state-ownership through the use of a single-buyer model. Subsequently, activities that have natural monopoly characteristics such as transmission and distribution are to be separated and subject to incentive based regulation. The study recommends that the role of the GCC Interconnection Authority be restricted to transmission and system operations only and that each member state should have its own independent regulator. The study suggests that the GCC Secretariat play a co-ordination role between the different regulators while a separate power-exchange instrument be introduced to facilitate cross-border electricity trading between GCC member states.

In 1927 the Central Electricity Board began to oversee the building of the national grid. In the early development of electricity, electrical power was consumed by those privileged enough to be able to afford their own generators. A small number of local undertakings were established in urban centres during the 1920s but it was the nationalisation of electricity supply that gradually made electric power available to the masses. The electrical supply industry marketed electrical appliances as economical, efficient and clean alternatives to gas and coal, and, as time and labour saving appliances to the housewife. This thesis employs an interdisciplinary approach to the consumption of electricity and electrical technologies within the domestic environment, drawing upon the methodology of social construction of technology, historical geography, material culture studies and oral histories. It aims to compare and contrast constructions of the ideal modern electric home and electrical appliances with the lived reality of experiences of electricity in different homes across Britain to draw out the tensions between the two and explore how they mutually constructed and shaped each other. Using case studies of electric cookers, refrigerators, electric irons, vacuum cleaners, electric toys, radios, electric razors and hairdryers, it explores how the electrical industry constructed modernity and the ideal modern home in advertising material, the construction of the ‘housewife consumer’ and other users in the home, and the fluid nature of domestic space and its relationship with electricity.

The research presented in this Thesis investigates the strategic behaviour of generating firms in bid-based electricity pool markets and the effects of control methods and network features on the electricity market outcome by utilising the AC network model to represent the electric grid. A market equilibrium algorithm has been implemented to represent the bi-level market problem for social welfare maximization from the system operator and utility assets optimisation from the strategic market participants, based on the primal-dual interior point method. The strategic interactions in the market are modelled using supply function equilibrium theory and the optimum strategies are determined by parameterization of the marginal cost functions of the generating units. The AC power network model explicitly represents the active and reactive power flows and various network components and control functions. The market analysis examines the relation between market power and AC networks, while the different parameterization methods for the supply function bids are also investigated. The first part of the market analysis focuses on the effects of particular characteristics of the AC network on the interactions between the strategic generating firms, which directly affect the electricity market outcome. In particular, the examined topics include the impact of transformer tap-ratio control, reactive power control, different locations for a new entry’s generating unit in the system, and introduction of photovoltaic solar power production in the pool market by considering its dependencyon the applied solar irradiance. The observations on the numerical results have shown that their impact on the market is significant and the employment of AC network representation is required for reliable market outcome predictions and for a better understanding of the strategic behaviour as it depends on the topology of the system. The analysis that examines the supply function parameterizations has shown that the resulting market solutions from the different parameterization methods can be very similar or differ substantially, depending on the presence and level of network congestion and on the size and complexity of the examined system. Furthermore, the convergence performance of the implemented market algorithm has been examined and proven to exhibit superior computational efficiency, being able to provide market solutions for large complex AC systems with multiple asymmetric firms, providing the opportunity for applications on practical electricity markets.

This thesis is a study of deinstitutionalisation seeking to understand the evolvement of deinstitutionalisation process via the lens of sensemaking. It does so by conducting an in-depth qualitative, case study-based empirical study of the processual nature of deinstitutionalisation and the significance of organisational sensemaking during the deinstitutionalisation process. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted drawing insights from various literatures including institutional theory, sensemaking and social psychology. The need for greater understanding of the deinstitutionalisation phenomenon, especially its process is acknowledged after relevant literatures are reviewed. The potential of using microanalysis in examining the deinstitutionalisation process is demonstrated. The sensemaking perspective is thus used to facilitate this processual research. The findings emerged from this thesis have important implications for the theoretical development of institutional changes, sensemaking and especially deinstitutionalisation. First of all, the model and evidence sheds some light on the nature and development of the deinstitutionalisation process. Secondly, the analytic capacity of the institutional theory especially its descriptive and predictive contents are tested in the context of evolving institutions. The relative strengths of regulative, cognitive and normative influences in non-conventional cultural and institutional contexts extend our knowledge of institutional change and effects. Using sensemaking perspective, the findings also demonstrate the role and power of resistance during institutional processes and explain the possibility of multiple paces and outcomes within a single deinstitutionalisation process. As for sensemaking, crisis sensemaking will be examined in a new context: disaster-struck but not life threatening. In practical terms, this study is carried out in an organisational context therefore it has relevant managerial implications. Knowledge gathered here should offer useful insights for businesses, especially managers.

This thesis presents an investigation into impedance based fault location methods which directly use the fault transient as an excitation source to provide fast and accurate fault locations in small distribution systems such as the modem marine and aircraft power systems which have Integrated Power System (IPS) configuration. Fast and accurate fault location on un-exposed power distribution lines is of vital importance to expedite service restoration and improving the reliability of the power system. Two fault location algorithms are developed: the single-ended method and the double-ended method. The singled-ended algorithm which captures current and voltage waveforms from one end of the distribution cable estimates the fault locations using an iteration calculation. The double-ended method has a simple algorithm and is robust to different fault situations but requires additional data measured from the remote end of the cable. Both simulation and experimental tests have been done and the results are good enough to validate that the developed methods can locate fault positions using a 12ms window and otter an accuracy of within 1m in the proposed distribution system. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed fault location methods are investigated under different fault situations. The possibility of employing the two methods in protection of faults in a marine power system is demonstrated. Due to the special characteristics of the marine power system, an active method which simply involves adding an IGBT switch is proposed for the earth fault protection.

Increasing costs associated with fossil fuel generation and a recognition and acceptance of the finite nature of this resource, have partially contributed to the growing popularity of alternative energy generation technology. International environmental treaties have also forced many states, primarily developing states, to deliberately review their fuels use. Jamaica having such a challenge requires accurate information regarding the impact of integrating generation from such technologies into its existing network. However, given a lack of resources, little work has been done to gather the relevant data that is required to evaluate the impact of embedded generation. Instead the findings from networks in other jurisdictions that have different operational and technical characteristics have been utilized. Anecdotal information regarding the availability of satisfactory renewable resources and the minimal impact that certain levels of integration will have on the existing network abounds among the engineering community on Jamaica. This research reviews the electricity and energy sectors of Jamaica. It further considers the efforts made by policy makers to fulfil the energy needs through a possible mix of fossil and renewable sources. Focus is then shifted to the analysis of available wind resource data which is then modelled to represent usable wind data for electricity generation. Actual system data is then used to produce an acceptable model of the current transmission network. The operation of the network is then considered on varying generation and loading conditions both with and without the inclusion of renewable sources. A final assessment of the impact of such sources is then made based on the magnitude and location in the network. The study concludes by highlighting the benefits to be derived from this work and reviews the challenges faced while conducting the study. It also recommends ways in which improvements to the system can be realized.

The United Kingdom (UK) electricity generation industry is shrouded in uncertainty, particularly as a consequence of new environmental regulations. Using a longitudinal case study, this thesis analyses how, following the introduction of the Large Combustion Plant Directive – LCPD, the industry used investment appraisal techniques to strategically mobilise power and effect change to UK policy. Through the use of interpretive research and drawing on the ontological framework of structuration, this thesis will interpret how actors1 used the rules and resources associated with investment appraisal techniques to manage the balance of power. Although the LCPD directive was a ‘command and control’ regulation, the generators were able to use the existence of contradictory structures, the absence of resources, and weak rules to negotiate a significant consultation process to effect policy change. Their actions resulted in the introduction of the 2011 Whitepaper ‘Energy Market Reform’ (DECC, 2011). This study will analyse those actors who take part in the decision making process by examining how environmental directives, such as the Pollution and Prevention Control (PPC) and the LCPD, were implemented within the UK and their consequences. This process will reveal how industry reluctance to commit capital to developing new technology resulted in the threat of blackouts in the UK, creating a debate as to who would supply the £200 billion capital required. This study identifies the complex struggle for power within the generation industry set within the paradox of achieving strict environmental targets, creation of profit and the security of supply, with the winner being determined via the investment decision process. International generators demonstrated a ‘wait and see’ approach to investment, using accounting techniques to justify a strategic policy that placed them in a position of power. This power was then used as a means to provoke a discourse that enabled the generators to establish their own needs. This is not a direct study of accounting change, but of how existing accounting structures were used to facilitate a process of political and social change to establish new business models within liberalised industries; thereby lending great significance to some of the rules and resources connected to accounting.