A Load Restoration Approach Based on Symmetrical Demand Response Incentive Mechanism

Demand response (DR) has high regulation potential, which can reduce the power supply–demand imbalance caused by extreme disasters. However, its actual effectiveness still needs to be improved because of low user willingness and incomplete compensation mechanisms. To address this issue, a symmetrical incentive mechanism for DR is proposed. Building upon this mechanism, a bi-level load restoration optimization model under extreme events is proposed. The upper-level model minimizes grid-side costs during load restoration, determining load restoration ratios and incentive coefficients transmitted to the lower level. The lower-level model maximizes user profits while considering comfort-level losses from DR participation, solving for actual response quantities that are fed back to the upper level. To efficiently solve the proposed load restoration model, an iterative mixed-integer load restoration solver is proposed. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed symmetrical mechanism achieved an 89.6% participation rate, showing a 2.46% improvement over fixed incentive schemes. Grid payment costs were reduced by CNY 365,400, achieving incentive compatibility that facilitates rapid load restoration post extreme disasters.