Resumen: A computational model for designing direct-load control (DLC) demand response (DR) contracts is presented in this paper. The critical and controllable loads are identified in each node of the distribution system (DS). Critical loads have to be supplied as demanded by users, while the controllable loads can be connected during a determined time interval. The time interval at which each controllable load can be supplied is determined by means of a contract or compromise established between the utility operator and the corresponding consumers of each node of the DS. This approach allows us to reduce the negative impact of the DLC program on consumers’ lifestyles. Using daily forecasting of wind speed and power, solar radiation and temperature, the optimal allocation of DR resources is determined by solving an optimization problem through a genetic algorithm where the energy content of conventional power generation and battery discharging energy are minimized. The proposed approach was illustrated by analyzing a system located in the Virgin Islands. Capabilities and characteristics of the proposed method in daily and annual terms are fully discussed, as well as the influence of forecasting errors. Idioma: Inglés DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.07.137 Año: 2019 Publicado en: Energy 186 (2019), 115807 [16 pp.] ISSN: 0360-5442 Factor impacto JCR: 6.082 (2019) Categ. JCR: THERMODYNAMICS rank: 3 / 61 = 0.049 (2019) - Q1 - T1 Categ. JCR: ENERGY & FUELS rank: 20 / 112 = 0.179 (2019) - Q1 - T1 Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 2.166 - Building and Construction (Q1) - Civil and Structural Engineering (Q1) - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Q1) - Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law (Q1) - Energy Engineering and Power Technology (Q1) - Fuel Technology (Q1) - Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (Q1) - Energy (miscellaneous) (Q1)