Abstract
This paper analyzes the implementation of new technologies in network industries through the development of a suitable regulatory scheme. The analysis focuses on Smart Grid (SG) technologies which, among others benefits, could save operational costs and reduce the need for further conventional investments in the grid. In spite of the benefits that may result from their implementation, the adoption of SGs by network operators can be hampered by the uncertainties surrounding actual performances. A decision model has been developed to assess the firms' incentives to invest in "smart" technologies under different regulatory schemes. The model also enables testing the impact of uncertainties on the reduction of operational costs, and of conventional investments. Under certain circumstances, it may be justified to support the development and early deployment of emerging innovations that have a high potential to ameliorate the efficiency of the electricity system, but whose adoption faces many uncertainties.

Abstract
The planning of the transmission network is an issue that, over the years, has received much attention, particularly due to the impact that this infrastructure has on the safe and reliable functioning of electrical systems. The search for solutions addressing climate change has led to several changes in the functioning of electrical systems, particularly concerning the increasing integration of renewable electricity production. However, in recent years, changes in the load side of the electrical system have also emerged. In particular, electric mobility has been developing, and a high penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected in near future. This consumption is supplied by the distribution system but will impact the transmission network. Naturally, the amount of energy used by EVs is subject to uncertainties, which makes the problem complex. Those uncertainties cannot be easily modeled using statistical distributions because of the reduced history of available information. The transmission system operator (TSO) needs an efficient tool to analyze the adequacy of the transmission network to supply the distribution networks with high penetration of EVs. In this paper, a methodology based on symmetric/constrained fuzzy power flow is proposed to find the optimal investment policy at the transmission level while satisfying the technical constraints. The concept of dual variables provided by Lagrange multipliers, the natural result of the nonlinear optimization problem, is used to obtain the most promising reinforcement options considering the actual structure of the transmission network. The proposed model is tested on an IEEE 14-bus system.

Abstract
This paper addresses the allocation of electrical losses in distribution networks with embedded generation, in a liberalized environment. The nonlinear nature of the issue, the loss changes due to voltage variation and, specially, the contribution of embedded generation to loss variation are considered. The proposed method is based on tracing the real and imaginary parts of the currents and has two steps. First, the losses in the distribution network, in the absence of embedded generation, are allocated to the consumers (or their providers). Second, the variations in the losses that result from the influence of embedded generation are allocated to the generatorsi These variations are a measure of the avoided or added costs related to losses. In the allocation process, made in a branch basis, both real and reactive powers are considered. The methodology presented in this paper can be used to evaluate embedded generation incentives or to design tariffs for the use of the distribution network.

Abstract
The emergence of micro-generation as a technically sound alternative has lead, in recent times, to the concept of microgrid, a network of LV consumers and producers able to export electric energy in some circumstances and also to work in a isolated way in emergency situations. Research work about the organization of microgrids, control devices, functionalities and other technical and economic aspects is presently being carried out, in order to establish a consistent technical framework to support the concept. Among other aspects, the effect of microgrids in the reliability of the distribution network has been pointed out as an important advantage, due to the ability of isolated operation in emergency situations. In order to address this topic, the present paper identifies the situations where the existence of a microgrid may reduce the interruption rate and time and thus improve the reliability indices of the distribution network. The relevant expressions necessary to quantify the reliability are also presented. An illustrative example is included, where the global influence of the microgrid in reliability is commented.

Abstract
Recently, the new concept of microgrid (mu G) has been emerging on distribution networks as a way to ease the integration of micro generation in LV networks and increase reliability. A mu G is an association of a low voltage distribution network, small modular generation systems (micro-generators), loads and storage devices having some local coordinated functions. This entity can operate in two different modes: interconnected or emergency. In the first mode, the microgrid is connected with the distribution network, importing or exporting electricity and/or ancillary services. When in emergency mode, the microgrid operates isolated from the distribution network and uses local resources, changing from power control to frequency control and, if necessary, shedding load. A micro grid will only be established if its promoters achieve sufficient advantages that justify the incurred costs, namely the investment, operation and maintenance costs. The main purpose of this paper is to identify all the relevant costs and benefits and build a decision model for the situation, taking into account the regulatory framework, which is essential for the definition of some of the benefits. The paper also shows how to include in the evaluation the risk associated to the uncertainties in data and parameters. An illustrative example is included that shows a possible situation of equilibrium between global costs and benefits.

Abstract
The concept of microgrid (mu grid) has been emerging as a way to integrate microgeneration (mu G) in LV networks and simultaneously improve its potential benefits. Technical requirements to connect mu grids to LV networks have been studied in order to make this concept technologically feasible and safe to operate. However, the regulatory framework for economic integration of mu G and mu grids on distribution systems, despite being crucial, is still an open issue. The main purpose of this paper is to contribute for the development of an appropriate economic regulation framework that removes the barriers to mu G and mu grid development To do so, the relevant costs and benefits resulting from the establishment of mu G and mu grid are identified and a methodology for sharing those costs and benefits among the involved economic agents is presented. The only pre-requisite of such a methodology is that a net benefit to all economic agents exists, which is the case most of the times. An illustrative example is included