An Agent-Based Bidding Simulation Framework to Recognize Monopoly Behavior in Power Markets

Although many countries prefer deregulated power markets as a means of containing power costs, a monopoly may still exist. In this study, an agent-based bidding simulation framework is proposed to detect whether there will be a monopoly in the power market. A security-constrained unit commitment (SCUC) is conducted to clear the power market. Using the characteristics that the agent can fully explore in a certain environment and the Q-learning algorithm, each power producer in the power market is modeled as an agent, and the agent selects a quotation strategy that can improve profits based on historical bidding information. The numerical results show that in a power market with monopoly potential among the power producers, the profits of the power producers will not converge, and the locational marginal price will eventually become unacceptable. Whereas, in a power market without monopoly potential, power producers will maintain competition and the market remains active and healthy.