Power systems big data analytics: An assessment of paradigm shift barriers and prospects

Electric power systems are taking drastic advances in deployment of information and communication technologies; numerous new measurement devices are installed in forms of advanced metering infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER) monitoring systems, high frequency synchronized wide-area awareness systems that with great speed are generating immense volume of energy data. However, it is still questioned that whether the today's power system data, the structures and the tools being developed are indeed aligned with the pillars of the big data science. Further, several requirements and especial features of power systems and energy big data call for customized methods and platforms. This paper provides an assessment of the distinguished aspects in big data analytics developments in the domain of power systems. We perform several taxonomy of the existing and the missing elements in the structures and methods associated with big data analytics in power systems. We also provide a holistic outline, classifications, and concise discussions on the technical approaches, research opportunities, and application areas for energy big data analytics.