Power System Planning Process

This chapter aims at providing the basic background and foundation to the whole power system planning process covered in this book. It helps in setting the stage for a clearer and better understanding of the ensuing chapters. This is needed in the case of all readers, but it is especially important for readers who are not from the power industry such as regulators, policy makers, or legislators. Moreover, the planning process itself is also introduced in this chapter. This is particularly helpful for practicing engineers and other readers who might not be familiar with such issues. Finally, power system planning is introduced in this chapter to emphasize specific functions used in this context, especially those that are different than general planning functions.