IEEE PES WiP UK&I Webinar: Optimised Demand Side Management for Flexible Operation of Smart Grids

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Online talk: Optimised Demand Side Management for Flexible Operation of Smart Grids

 Speaker: Dr Lois Efe, The University of Manchester

When: Wednesday 12 November, 15:00- 16:00 GMT

This event is organised by the IEEE PES Women in Power UK & Ireland Chapter.

Presentation Summary:

As the UK advances toward its 2050 net-zero carbon target, integrating renewables and electrifying transport and heating introduces major challenges for the power system. My research explores how Demand Side Management (DSM) can support this transition by intelligently shifting electricity usage to balance supply and demand. However, poorly coordinated DSM can trigger secondary demand peaks; known as load payback; that disrupt distribution networks.

To address this, I introduce a novel "payback potential" metric that guides DSM optimisation, preventing these peaks and improving network continuous operation.  I also investigate how customer participation and load preferences affect DSM outcomes, revealing trade-offs between engagement and voltage performance. Finally, I incorporate uncertainty modelling using a rolling horizon framework and Monte Carlo simulation to reflect real-world variability in demand and flexibility.

This work offers practical tools for distribution network operators to plan DSM more effectively, enabling a smoother path to a low-carbon, resilient energy future.

Biography:

Lois Efe is an emerging leader in electrical engineering, passionate about unlocking the untapped potential of modern energy infrastructure. She currently serves as a Flexibility Scheduling Engineering Analyst at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, applying her expertise to drive innovation in energy systems. Lois earned her PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester’s Power System and Energy Group, where her research focused on optimised demand-side flexibility and its impact on the operation of smart grids in 2025. Throughout her PhD, she published multiple research papers, contributing to advancements in power systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with First-Class Honours from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree in Electrical Power Systems from the University of Manchester, where she was awarded the Best Student Prize. Beyond academia, Lois is a dedicated educator and a Fellow of Advanced Higher Education, reflecting her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Driven by impact and community, Lois actively volunteers with international organisations including CIGRE UK NGN, IEEE PES Women in Power Region 8, IEEE PES Young Professionals Region 8, and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). She is a true trailblazer, breaking barriers and fostering collaboration across the engineering community.