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In this contribution, a method for evaluating and minimizing network related costs for distributed generation in an objective manner is presented. The network optimization tools used provides functionality to realize long-term cost-efficient integration of distributed generation. Besides, short-term measures for connecting distributed generation to an existing network with minimum financial effort can be determined as well. To evaluate costs related to distributed generation, minimal costs for networks with integrated distributed generation are calculated and compared in two steps. In the first step, cost-efficient networks for a given supply area with distributed generation are determined in a green-field approach, neglecting existing assets. In the second step, costs for stranded investments-e.g. existing overhead lines or cables that are not used in cost-efficient networks that have been calculated beforehand-are considered during optimization as well. In this contribution, an exemplary rural supply area is considered for presenting the functionality of the method. Stranded costs due to the integration of distributed generation into medium voltage networks are discussed.

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A main part of operation expenditures for electrical networks results from non-electrical resources, e. g. field service personnel, agency staff, material and tools that are required for executing processes for maintenance, fault clearance as well as for investment projects. Consequently, network operators have to optimize their resource allocation strategy to increase their network operation efficiency and reduce costs. This paper presents examinations on optimal resource strategies for operating high-voltage networks. With a new optimization method, that minimizes resource costs, dependencies between costs and outsourcing strategies are quantified for an exemplary network area. Further sensitivity examinations assess different strategies of resource assignment for fault clearance and predictable maintenance processes. It is shown that the newly developed method enables an objective cost evaluation.