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Logical proportion analysis (LPA) is a new powerful decision-making methodology, which, unlike traditional number-base techniques, is based on logical entity manipulations. Because LPA mimics the procedural manner with which a human brain perceives and reacts to real-life events, it can handle intangible entities such as 'concern,' 'satisfaction,' and 'perception.' Consequently, the logic-based solutions offered by LPA are comprehensive, accurate, and reliable. Although the generic structure and logical inference algorithms of LPA are universal to a large extent, its applications are countless as they encompass virtually all real-life event reaction and handling situations. The purpose of this paper is not to explain the logical inference structure of LPA, but to illustrate how LPA works on situations involving an 'intelligent' decision-maker working on a logical event-driven dilemma, which is 'comprehended' in terms of several tangible and intangible entitles to achieve a 'perceived' goal. Some practical examples associated with the electrical industry are included in this paper for demonstration purposes. Index Terms--Customer perception, domain and depth of comprehension, driving forces and distribution utility cost, intangible components, logical function, logical proportion analysis (LPA), logical states.

The unbundling of the power industry and the development of efficient pricing mean that the cost and availability of wholesale power purchases will be influenced by market forces and geographical location of the load. An important issue facing electrical distribution utilities is to decide whether to continue to purchase from the main grid or generate locally, partially or totally. The complex nature of the problem requires careful formulation and effective solution methodology which can handle non-tangible issues such as customer perception and quality of service. This paper describes the results of a major seven-year project in which a general framework and meaningful solution methodologies were developed to assist the distribution utility management in assessing the feasibility and merits of building Non-Utility Generation (NUG). Key Words: Distribution Utility, Non Utility Generation (NUG), Wholesale Electricity Purchases, Customer Service Interruptions, Customer Perception, Direct and Indirect Costs.

This paper reports the results of a recently completed major project on power cable transient calculations. It employs a fundamental analytical method using a lumped parameter model for computation of transient ratings of buried power cables. An account is given of past work in the field of thermal transients in buried cables. A full description of the mathematical model is given. A summary of the state-of-the-art is provided with new developments in computation of the ratings of groups of dissimilar and/or unequally loaded cables described. Each circuit can be subjected to a different load variable in time and the cables can be directly buried, located in a ductbank or in a thermal backfill. A description of the algorithm and computer program can be found in the companion paper together several numerical studies of a practical cable system.