Development of a process assessment model for demand response in electricity market

Demand response (DR) is a new study area and many countries intend to create roadmaps to activate their implementations. The Smart Grid Maturity Model (SGMM) defines the characteristics and targets related the customer, but it does not adequately elaborate and provide a guiding perspective for demand response. There is a lack of guidance in literature on assessing and improving the current status of demand response processes. With the purpose of addressing the gap mentioned, in this thesis study, the Demand Response Process Assessment Model (DRPAM) has been developed to facilitate the pilot studies of demand response, and to assess and improve the capability of demand response processes. In the development of this model, the second maturity level of "Customer" domain in SGMM and ISO/IEC 33004 were taken as reference. In the process dimension of DRPAM, we developed the process reference model as specific to demand response of customers and according to the requirements for process reference models defined in ISO/IEC 33004. The key processes of the demand response process reference model were created by examining the literature studies and technical reports. Description of process practices was based on Action Workflow Loop (AWL) proposed by Medina-Mora and software process management models. Eight processes were identified with process purpose and outcomes, base practices, work products (inputs and outputs) and responsible roles of demand response implementations. Then, the demand response process reference model (as the process dimension of DRPAM) was updated and verified using expert opinions gathered by Delphi study technique. Thus, the eight key processes of DRPAM were identified. In the quality dimension of DRPAM, "capability" was chosen as the process quality characteristic and it was aimed to use ISO/IEC 33020 standard in order to assess process capability according to the requirements for process measurement frameworks defined in ISO/IEC 33003. Multiple case studies were conducted to validate the applicability and usefulness of DRPAM. The case studies were conducted in four different demand response projects in three different organizations. The results of the assessments and the feedback provided by the organizations indicate that the proposed model was useful not only in identifying the capability levels of demand response processes, but also in supplying a roadmap for the improvement of these processes.