  Load shedding is usually the last resort to balance generation and demand to
maintain stable operation of the electric grid after major disturbances.
Current load-shedding optimization practices focus mainly on the physical
optimality of the network power flow. This might lead to an uneven allocation
of load curtailment, disadvantaging some loads more than others. Addressing
this oversight, this paper introduces an innovative equity-aware load-shedding
optimization model that emphasizes a fair allocation of load curtailment across
the network. By proposing a novel equity indicator for load shedding and
integrating it into an ACOPF-based optimization framework, we offer grid
operators a more balanced and equitable load shedding strategy. Case studies
highlight the importance of equity considerations in determining optimal load
curtailment between buses.
