Abstract

For no one is a secret that nowadays electric power distribution systems (EPDS) are being faced with a number of challenges and concerns, most of which emanate not so much from a shortage of energy supply or lack of resources but from environmental, infrastructural, and operational issues and the complex interconnectedness of systems and processes with which these diverse and intricate issues are intertwined. EPDS are required to preserve stability and continuity of operations at any time, no matter what, regardless of what may occur in the surroundings. Electric utilities are being obligated by law to have backup systems and alternative resources with which to supply electricity and other supplemental services to their customers despite the wide variety of problems that may occur due to internal or external phenomena. Thus, being ready and able to respond effectively and in a timely manner is the true measure of what sustainable energy systems (SES) are all about, and homeostaticity of energy systems seeks just that: to bring about a rapid, effective and efficient response by allowing and enabling the EPDS to attain a state of equilibrium between energy supply and energy expenditure in the electric power system (EPS). The chapter presents the theoretical groundwork and a brief description of the model for the operation of SES and their role in energy sustainability, supported by theoretical and empirical results. The concept of homeostaticity in EPDS is explained, along with its role in SES.