The growing interest in small-scale electricity generation located near customers, known as Distributed Generation (DG), is driven primarily by emerging technologies, environmental regulations and concerns, electricity market restructuring, and growing customer demand for increased quality and reliability of the electricity supply. Wind turbines are one of the renewable DG technologies that have become an important source of electricity in many parts of the world. Wind power can be used in many places to provide a viable solution to rising demand, energy security and independence, and climate change mitigation. This research aims broadly at facilitating the integration of wind-based DG without jeopardizing the system’s economics and reliability. To achieve this goal, the thesis tackles wind power from three perspectives: those of the policy maker, the investor, and the system operator. Generally, the economic viability of a project is determined within the framework of relevant policies. Therefore, these policies influence the decisions of potential investors in wind power. From this perspective, chapters 3 and 4 investigate the influence of policies on the economic viability of wind-based DG projects. In chapter 3, the role of Ontario’s taxation and incentive policies in the economic viability of wind-based DG projects is investigated. In this study, the effects of provincial income taxes, capital cost allowances, property taxes, and relevant federal incentives are considered. Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for different scenarios are used to assess the project’s viability under the Ontario Standard Offer Program (SOP) for wind power. In chapter 4, the thesis proposes the use of wind power as a source of electricity in a new city being developed in the Duqm area of Oman, where no policies supporting renewable energy exist. The study shows that the cost of electricity produced by wind turbines is higher than that of the existing generation system, due to the subsidized prices of domestically available natural gas. However, given high international natural gas prices, the country’s long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export obligations, and the expansion of natural gas-based industries, investments in wind power in Duqm can be justified. A feed-in tariff and capital cost allowance policies are recommended to facilitate investments in this sector. From a wind-based DG investor’s perspective, the optimal selection of wind turbines can make wind power more economical, as illustrated in chapters 5 and 6. In chapter 5, the thesis presents a new generic model for Capacity Factor (CF) estimation using wind speed characteristics at any site and the power performance curve parameters of any pitch-regulated wind turbine. Compared to the existing model, the proposed formulation is simpler and results in more accurate CF estimation. CF models can be used by wind-based DG investors for optimal turbine-site matching applications. However, in chapter 6, the thesis demonstrates that using CF models as the sole basis for turbine-site matching applications tends to produce results that are biased towards higher towers but do not include the associated costs. Therefore, a novel formulation for the turbine-site matching problem, based on a modified CF formulation that does include turbine tower height, is introduced in chapter 6. The proposed universal Turbine-Site Matching Index (TSMI) also includes the effects of turbine rated power and tower height on the initial capital cost of wind turbines. Chapter 7 tackles wind power from a power system operator’s perspective. Despite wind power benefits, the effects of its intermittent nature on power systems need to be carefully examined as penetration levels increase. In this chapter, the thesis investigates the effects of different temporal wind profiles on the scheduling costs of thermal generation units. Two profiles are considered: synoptic-dominated and diurnal-dominated variations of aggregated wind power. To simulate wind profile impacts, a linear mixed-integer unit commitment problem is formulated in a GAMS environment. The uncertainty associated with wind power is represented using a chance constrained formulation. The simulation results illustrate the significant impacts of different wind profiles on fuel saving benefits, startup costs, and wind power curtailments. In addition, the results demonstrate the importance of the wide geographical dispersion of wind power production facilities to minimize the impacts of network constraints on the value of the harvested wind energy and the amount of curtailed energy.

The growing interest in small-scale electricity generation located near customers, known as Distributed Generation (DG), is driven primarily by emerging technologies, environmental regulations and concerns, electricity market restructuring, and growing customer demand for increased quality and reliability of the electricity supply. Wind turbines are one of the renewable DG technologies that have become an important source of electricity in many parts of the world. Wind power can be used in many places to provide a viable solution to rising demand, energy security and independence, and climate change mitigation. This research aims broadly at facilitating the integration of wind-based DG without jeopardizing the system’s economics and reliability. To achieve this goal, the thesis tackles wind power from three perspectives: those of the policy maker, the investor, and the system operator. Generally, the economic viability of a project is determined within the framework of relevant policies. Therefore, these policies influence the decisions of potential investors in wind power. From this perspective, chapters 3 and 4 investigate the influence of policies on the economic viability of wind-based DG projects. In chapter 3, the role of Ontario’s taxation and incentive policies in the economic viability of wind-based DG projects is investigated. In this study, the effects of provincial income taxes, capital cost allowances, property taxes, and relevant federal incentives are considered. Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for different scenarios are used to assess the project’s viability under the Ontario Standard Offer Program (SOP) for wind power. In chapter 4, the thesis proposes the use of wind power as a source of electricity in a new city being developed in the Duqm area of Oman, where no policies supporting renewable energy exist. The study shows that the cost of electricity produced by wind turbines is higher than that of the existing generation system, due to the subsidized prices of domestically available natural gas. However, given high international natural gas prices, the country’s long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export obligations, and the expansion of natural gas-based industries, investments in wind power in Duqm can be justified. A feed-in tariff and capital cost allowance policies are recommended to facilitate investments in this sector. From a wind-based DG investor’s perspective, the optimal selection of wind turbines can make wind power more economical, as illustrated in chapters 5 and 6. In chapter 5, the thesis presents a new generic model for Capacity Factor (CF) estimation using wind speed characteristics at any site and the power performance curve parameters of any pitch-regulated wind turbine. Compared to the existing model, the proposed formulation is simpler and results in more accurate CF estimation. CF models can be used by wind-based DG investors for optimal turbine-site matching applications. However, in chapter 6, the thesis demonstrates that using CF models as the sole basis for turbine-site matching applications tends to produce results that are biased towards higher towers but do not include the associated costs. Therefore, a novel formulation for the turbine-site matching problem, based on a modified CF formulation that does include turbine tower height, is introduced in chapter 6. The proposed universal Turbine-Site Matching Index (TSMI) also includes the effects of turbine rated power and tower height on the initial capital cost of wind turbines. Chapter 7 tackles wind power from a power system operator’s perspective. Despite wind power benefits, the effects of its intermittent nature on power systems need to be carefully examined as penetration levels increase. In this chapter, the thesis investigates the effects of different temporal wind profiles on the scheduling costs of thermal generation units. Two profiles are considered: synoptic-dominated and diurnal-dominated variations of aggregated wind power. To simulate wind profile impacts, a linear mixed-integer unit commitment problem is formulated in a GAMS environment. The uncertainty associated with wind power is represented using a chance constrained formulation. The simulation results illustrate the significant impacts of different wind profiles on fuel saving benefits, startup costs, and wind power curtailments. In addition, the results demonstrate the importance of the wide geographical dispersion of wind power production facilities to minimize the impacts of network constraints on the value of the harvested wind energy and the amount of curtailed energy.

Managing a sustainable built environment with a large number of buildings rests on the ability to assess and improve the performance of the building stock over time. Building stock models are cornerstones to the assessment of the combined impact of energy-related building interventions across different spatial and temporal scales. However, such models, particularly those accounting for both physical formulation and social behaviors of the underlying buildings, are still in their infancy. This research strives to more thoroughly examine how buildings perform aggregately in energy usage by focusing on how to tackled three major technical challenges: (1) quantifying building energy performance in an objective and scalable manner, (2) mapping building stock model space to real-world data space, and (3) quantifying and evaluating energy intervention behaviors of a building stock. This thesis hypothesizes that a new paradigm of aggregation of large-scale building stocks can lead to (1) an accurate and efficient intervention analysis model and (2) a functionally comprehensive decision support tool for building stock energy intervention analysis. Specifically, this thesis presents three methodologies. To address the first challenge, this thesis develops a normative building physical energy model that can rapidly estimate single building energy performance with respect to its design and operational characteristics. To address the second challenge, the thesis proposes a statistical procedure using regression and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling techniques that inverse-estimate building parameters based on building stock energy consumption survey data. The outcomes of this statistical procedure validate the approach of using prototypical buildings for two types of intervention analysis: energy retrofit and demand response. These two cases are implemented in an agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) framework to tackle the third challenge. This thesis research contributes to the body of knowledge pertaining to building energy modeling beyond the single building scale. The proposed framework can be used by energy policy makers and utilities for the evaluation of energy retrofit incentives and demand-response program economics.

The ability for domestic consumers to provide demand response to dynamic electricity pricing will become increasingly valuable for integrating the high penetrations of renewables that are expected to be connected to electricity networks in the future. The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether domestic consumers will be willing and able to provide demand response in such low-carbon futures. A broad approach is presented in this thesis, with research contributions on subjects including data privacy, behavioural economics, and battery modelling. The principle argument of the thesis is that studying the behaviour of consumers with grid-connected photovoltaic ('PV') systems can provide insight into how consumers might respond to dynamic pricing in future low-carbon power systems, as both experience irregular electricity prices that are correlated with intermittent renewable generation. Through a combination of statistical and qualitative methods, this thesis investigates the demand response behaviour of consumers with PV systems in the UK. The results demonstrate that these consumers exhibit demand response behaviour by increasing demand during the day and decreasing demand during the evening. Furthermore, this effect is more pronounced on days with higher irradiance. The results are novel in three ways. First, they provide quantified evidence that suggests that domestic consumers with PV systems engage in demand response behaviour. Second, they provide evidence of domestic consumers responding to irregular electricity prices that are correlated with intermittent renewable generation, thereby addressing the aim of this thesis, and supporting the assumption that consumers can be expected to respond to dynamic pricing in future markets with high penetrations of renewables. Third, they provide evidence of domestic consumers responding to dynamic pricing that is similar to real-time pricing, while prior evidence of this is rare and confined to the USA.

Orientador: Dionízio Paschoareli Júnior / Resumo: No planejamento da integração de fontes de geração distribuída no sistema de distribuição em baixa tensão é fundamental que haja a investigação dos efeitos provocados nas condições operacionais da rede, tais como níveis de tensão e carregamento de transformadores. Com vista ao potencial aumento da geração fotovoltaica no cenário brasileiro e à iminente migração tecnológica das redes tradicionais para as chamadas redes inteligentes, a resposta da demanda se apresenta como uma das estratégias para possibilitar uma integração eficiente de recursos energéticos distribuídos. Na aplicação de um programa de resposta da demanda, especificamente para o cenário de uma distribuidora, permitiu-se concluir, através da utilização de dados reais, que no processo de planejamento de integração de novas fontes de geração de natureza fotovoltaica, a aplicação de uma estrutura tarifária com custos diferenciados horários baseados no custo marginal de capacidade do sistema, possibilita que sejam observadas melhores condições operacionais da rede. A aplicação da nova estrutura tarifária horária indica uma significativa alteração no perfil de carga esperado dos consumidores de baixa tensão o que refletiu em melhores valores de níveis de tensão e aumento da capacidade livre do transformador em integrar novas fontes distribuídas no sistema. / Abstract: In planning the integration of distributed generation sources in the low voltage distribution system, it is essential to investigate the effects caused by the network operating conditions, such as voltage levels and transformer loading. By the point of view of the potential increase in photovoltaic generation for the Brazilian scenario and the imminent technological migration of traditional networks to the so-called Smart Grids, demand response is one of the strategies to enable the efficient integration of distributed energy resources. By applying a demand response program, specifically for the scenario of a distribution company, it was possible to conclude, by using real data, that in the integration planning process of new photovoltaic based generation sources, the application of a tariff structure with hourly differentiated costs based on the system's marginal cost of capacity, allows better operational conditions of the network to be observed. The application of the new hourly tariff structure indicates a significant change in the expected load profile of the low voltage consumers, which reflected in better values of voltage levels and rising of the free capacity of the transformer to integrate new distributed sources into the system. / Doutor

As Redes Elétricas Inteligentes podem ser entendidas como o uso intensivo de tecnologias de informação e comunicação nas redes elétricas, permitindo um fluxo bidirecional de informações e eletricidade pela rede, de forma a obter uma infraestrutura capaz de automaticamente monitorar, proteger e otimizar a operação de seus elementos. A modernização da infraestrutura elétrica no sentido das Redes Elétricas Inteligentes é inevitável e trará profundas mudanças em todos os segmentos do sistema elétrico. Embora a tecnologia necessária para essa modernização já exista a um custo razoável, ainda restam várias questões que devem ser resolvidas. Indefinições em relação aos padrões a serem adotados, regulamentações, segurança, privacidade e vários aspectos tecnológicos dificultam uma implementação coerente, adiando essa modernização. Assim, este trabalho busca apresentar esse cenário em relação às Redes Elétricas Inteligentes, investigando as tendências e situação atual. Dentre essas tendências, há um grande interesse em definir e implementar mecanismos que incentivem uma maior conscientização dos consumidores em relação ao seu uso de energia, além de uma participação ativa dos mesmos no mercado de energia. Isso exigirá a utilização de ferramentas que possibilitem a redução de custos através do uso mais eficiente da energia. Assim, é também proposto um framework para a construção e análise dessas ferramentas que buscam auxiliar os consumidores nesse cenário em formação. O framework proposto foi construído utilizando uma abordagem por Sistemas Multiagentes e possibilita a construção, simulação e análise de diversos sistemas, em diferentes cenários, com variados tipos de equipamentos, tanto reais como virtuais, sob diferentes protocolos de comunicação e com a possibilidade de uso de diversos algoritmos para a operação conjunta dos equipamentos. / Smart Grids can be understood as the intensive use of information and communication technologies over the electricity networks, allowing a bidirectional flow of information and electricity through the network. It is a system that tries to optimize the supply and demand of energy through the integration of distributed generation and renewable energy resources, and through the active participation of consumers as well as an intense trade relationship between all the segments of the electricity sector. The modernization of the electrical infrastructure towards Smart Grids is inevitable and it will bring deep changes in all segments of the electrical system. Although the necessary technology for this modernization already exists at a reasonable cost, there are still several issues to be solved. Uncertainties regarding standards to be adopted, regulations, security, privacy and many technological aspects difficult a consistent implementation and, therefore, delay this modernization. Thus, this study aims to present the Smart Grid scenario, by the investigation of its current situation and tendencies. Among these tendencies, there is a great interest to define and implement mechanisms to encourage consumer to take care about their electrical energy use and to stimulate their active participation in the energy market. This will require tools that will help them to reduce costs through a more efficient use of energy. Therefore, this work proposes also a framework for the development and analysis of these tools that help consumers at this scenario under construction. The proposed framework is built using a Multiagent System approach which allows the construction, simulation and analysis of various systems in different scenarios. In addition, it allows the use of several types of equipments, both real and virtual, under different communication protocols and with the possible use of various algorithms for a joint operation of all Smart Grid equipments.

O incremento nos padrões de consumo de energia elétrica e o fácil acesso a diversas tecnologias eletroeletrônicas têm contribuído para a superação anual dos índices de consumo de eletricidade. Tendo em vista que esse insumo ainda não é economicamente armazenável em larga escala, se faz necessário manter o equilíbrio em tempo real entre a oferta/demanda mais perdas. Entretanto, a maioria dos consumidores brasileiros atendidos em baixa tensão paga tarifas baseadas nos custos médios, os quais ocultam os efeitos da alta concentração de consumo de eletricidade em determinados horários do dia. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo analisa o impacto que Programas de Resposta à Demanda (PRD), baseado em tarifas com diferenciação horária, exercem sobre o desempenho dos sistemas de distribuição. A metodologia proposta utiliza o conceito de elasticidade-preço da demanda de energia elétrica, por meio de uma abordagem matricial e permite representar diferentes tipos de consumidores. A partir de uma análise de sensibilidade dos estudos de casos, verificou-se a influência dos parâmetros que compõem as equações do PRD proposto. Para avaliar o desempenho do modelo, foram feitos estudos numéricos usando uma versão modificada do sistema teste IEEE de 34 nós. A análise de sensibilidade entre os estudos de caso apresentou uma avaliação do percentual de adesão dos consumidores, bem como o comportamento das perdas ativas mensais e do perfil de tensão. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo evidenciam a validade da abordagem proposta, a partir de uma formulação simplificada, além de demonstrar a potencial aplicabilidade a casos reais. / Power consumption behavior increase and easy access to electroelectronics technologies had contributed to annual power consumption rates surpass. As there is not yet an economically sustainable way to store electric power it is necessary to maintain the balance between offer and power demand (considering losses). Brazilian customers majority supplied in low voltage are charged by its mean power consumption masking peak consumption in certain periods of the day. Within this reality the present work analysis the impact of Demand Response Programs (DRP) using Time-Of-Use tariff (TOU) over the power distribution system’s performance. The proposed methodology applies the concept of Price Elasticity demand and uses the representation of different consumers’ types in a matrix approach. The DRP parameters’ variation impact was checked using a sensitivity analysis. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed model numerical studies were done using the IEEE 34 modified node test feeder. A sensitivity analysis among the case studies presents the customers adherence percentage and the monthly active power losses and voltage profile. The methodology's results besides supporting the proposal approach from a simplified formulation show the potential use on real cases.

Submitted by SAULO GOMES MOREIRA null (saulo.moreira@ufms.br) on 2017-07-10T19:51:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese - Saulo Gomes Moreira - versão final.pdf: 2776138 bytes, checksum: 0b13189e5f5b94bb917bb0912bd62b0f (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Monique Sasaki (sayumi_sasaki@hotmail.com) on 2017-07-13T20:43:59Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 moreira_sg_dr_ilha.pdf: 2776138 bytes, checksum: 0b13189e5f5b94bb917bb0912bd62b0f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-13T20:43:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 moreira_sg_dr_ilha.pdf: 2776138 bytes, checksum: 0b13189e5f5b94bb917bb0912bd62b0f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-02 / No planejamento da integração de fontes de geração distribuída no sistema de distribuição em baixa tensão é fundamental que haja a investigação dos efeitos provocados nas condições operacionais da rede, tais como níveis de tensão e carregamento de transformadores. Com vista ao potencial aumento da geração fotovoltaica no cenário brasileiro e à iminente migração tecnológica das redes tradicionais para as chamadas redes inteligentes, a resposta da demanda se apresenta como uma das estratégias para possibilitar uma integração eficiente de recursos energéticos distribuídos. Na aplicação de um programa de resposta da demanda, especificamente para o cenário de uma distribuidora, permitiu-se concluir, através da utilização de dados reais, que no processo de planejamento de integração de novas fontes de geração de natureza fotovoltaica, a aplicação de uma estrutura tarifária com custos diferenciados horários baseados no custo marginal de capacidade do sistema, possibilita que sejam observadas melhores condições operacionais da rede. A aplicação da nova estrutura tarifária horária indica uma significativa alteração no perfil de carga esperado dos consumidores de baixa tensão o que refletiu em melhores valores de níveis de tensão e aumento da capacidade livre do transformador em integrar novas fontes distribuídas no sistema. / In planning the integration of distributed generation sources in the low voltage distribution system, it is essential to investigate the effects caused by the network operating conditions, such as voltage levels and transformer loading. By the point of view of the potential increase in photovoltaic generation for the Brazilian scenario and the imminent technological migration of traditional networks to the so-called Smart Grids, demand response is one of the strategies to enable the efficient integration of distributed energy resources. By applying a demand response program, specifically for the scenario of a distribution company, it was possible to conclude, by using real data, that in the integration planning process of new photovoltaic based generation sources, the application of a tariff structure with hourly differentiated costs based on the system's marginal cost of capacity, allows better operational conditions of the network to be observed. The application of the new hourly tariff structure indicates a significant change in the expected load profile of the low voltage consumers, which reflected in better values of voltage levels and rising of the free capacity of the transformer to integrate new distributed sources into the system.

O incremento nos padrões de consumo de energia elétrica e o fácil acesso a diversas tecnologias eletroeletrônicas têm contribuído para a superação anual dos índices de consumo de eletricidade. Tendo em vista que esse insumo ainda não é economicamente armazenável em larga escala, se faz necessário manter o equilíbrio em tempo real entre a oferta/demanda mais perdas. Entretanto, a maioria dos consumidores brasileiros atendidos em baixa tensão paga tarifas baseadas nos custos médios, os quais ocultam os efeitos da alta concentração de consumo de eletricidade em determinados horários do dia. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo analisa o impacto que Programas de Resposta à Demanda (PRD), baseado em tarifas com diferenciação horária, exercem sobre o desempenho dos sistemas de distribuição. A metodologia proposta utiliza o conceito de elasticidade-preço da demanda de energia elétrica, por meio de uma abordagem matricial e permite representar diferentes tipos de consumidores. A partir de uma análise de sensibilidade dos estudos de casos, verificou-se a influência dos parâmetros que compõem as equações do PRD proposto. Para avaliar o desempenho do modelo, foram feitos estudos numéricos usando uma versão modificada do sistema teste IEEE de 34 nós. A análise de sensibilidade entre os estudos de caso apresentou uma avaliação do percentual de adesão dos consumidores, bem como o comportamento das perdas ativas mensais e do perfil de tensão. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo evidenciam a validade da abordagem proposta, a partir de uma formulação simplificada, além de demonstrar a potencial aplicabilidade a casos reais. / Power consumption behavior increase and easy access to electroelectronics technologies had contributed to annual power consumption rates surpass. As there is not yet an economically sustainable way to store electric power it is necessary to maintain the balance between offer and power demand (considering losses). Brazilian customers majority supplied in low voltage are charged by its mean power consumption masking peak consumption in certain periods of the day. Within this reality the present work analysis the impact of Demand Response Programs (DRP) using Time-Of-Use tariff (TOU) over the power distribution system’s performance. The proposed methodology applies the concept of Price Elasticity demand and uses the representation of different consumers’ types in a matrix approach. The DRP parameters’ variation impact was checked using a sensitivity analysis. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed model numerical studies were done using the IEEE 34 modified node test feeder. A sensitivity analysis among the case studies presents the customers adherence percentage and the monthly active power losses and voltage profile. The methodology's results besides supporting the proposal approach from a simplified formulation show the potential use on real cases.

As Redes Elétricas Inteligentes podem ser entendidas como o uso intensivo de tecnologias de informação e comunicação nas redes elétricas, permitindo um fluxo bidirecional de informações e eletricidade pela rede, de forma a obter uma infraestrutura capaz de automaticamente monitorar, proteger e otimizar a operação de seus elementos. A modernização da infraestrutura elétrica no sentido das Redes Elétricas Inteligentes é inevitável e trará profundas mudanças em todos os segmentos do sistema elétrico. Embora a tecnologia necessária para essa modernização já exista a um custo razoável, ainda restam várias questões que devem ser resolvidas. Indefinições em relação aos padrões a serem adotados, regulamentações, segurança, privacidade e vários aspectos tecnológicos dificultam uma implementação coerente, adiando essa modernização. Assim, este trabalho busca apresentar esse cenário em relação às Redes Elétricas Inteligentes, investigando as tendências e situação atual. Dentre essas tendências, há um grande interesse em definir e implementar mecanismos que incentivem uma maior conscientização dos consumidores em relação ao seu uso de energia, além de uma participação ativa dos mesmos no mercado de energia. Isso exigirá a utilização de ferramentas que possibilitem a redução de custos através do uso mais eficiente da energia. Assim, é também proposto um framework para a construção e análise dessas ferramentas que buscam auxiliar os consumidores nesse cenário em formação. O framework proposto foi construído utilizando uma abordagem por Sistemas Multiagentes e possibilita a construção, simulação e análise de diversos sistemas, em diferentes cenários, com variados tipos de equipamentos, tanto reais como virtuais, sob diferentes protocolos de comunicação e com a possibilidade de uso de diversos algoritmos para a operação conjunta dos equipamentos. / Smart Grids can be understood as the intensive use of information and communication technologies over the electricity networks, allowing a bidirectional flow of information and electricity through the network. It is a system that tries to optimize the supply and demand of energy through the integration of distributed generation and renewable energy resources, and through the active participation of consumers as well as an intense trade relationship between all the segments of the electricity sector. The modernization of the electrical infrastructure towards Smart Grids is inevitable and it will bring deep changes in all segments of the electrical system. Although the necessary technology for this modernization already exists at a reasonable cost, there are still several issues to be solved. Uncertainties regarding standards to be adopted, regulations, security, privacy and many technological aspects difficult a consistent implementation and, therefore, delay this modernization. Thus, this study aims to present the Smart Grid scenario, by the investigation of its current situation and tendencies. Among these tendencies, there is a great interest to define and implement mechanisms to encourage consumer to take care about their electrical energy use and to stimulate their active participation in the energy market. This will require tools that will help them to reduce costs through a more efficient use of energy. Therefore, this work proposes also a framework for the development and analysis of these tools that help consumers at this scenario under construction. The proposed framework is built using a Multiagent System approach which allows the construction, simulation and analysis of various systems in different scenarios. In addition, it allows the use of several types of equipments, both real and virtual, under different communication protocols and with the possible use of various algorithms for a joint operation of all Smart Grid equipments.