ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a novel demand-side management (DSM) concept, virtual energy provisioning (VEP), to manage the energy supply chain from generation to delivery and final consumption. In a manufacturing supply chain system, the production typically is driven by advance demand information from the retailers or end customers. The chapter discusses the VEP concept, the operational condition, and the preliminary implementation. It provides an overview on advances in smart grid initiatives, including DSM technology and explains the operational condition of the VEP system. The power system is considered healthy and reliable only when all demands are appropriately satisfied or the interruption is kept at a minimum level. The chapter focuses on asset management and distributed generation integration and also focuses on the consumer performance assessment metrics. It suggests modern communication technology and its impact on VEP implementation. Distribution automation includes monitoring, control, and communication functions located on the electrical feeder.
