Future Generation Computer Systems 21 (2005) 1192–1198 Oh behave! Agent-based behavioral representations in problem solving environments M. North * , C. Macal, P. Campbell Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Available online 12 May 2004 Abstract The development of deregulated electricity systems around the world has produced the need for simulation systems that are capable of addressing the complexities that arise in the new markets. Agent-based models allow the use of complex adaptive systems approaches that are capable of producing tools or problem solving environments that can address the behavior of each of the participants within the electricity market. The agents in the tools are allowed to establish their own objectives and apply their own decision rules. They can be developed to learn from their previous experiences and change their behavior when future opportunities arise. In this paper, we will argue that the same type of agent-based technology that is used to produce “realistic” agent behavior in agent-based simulation tools at Argonne National Laboratory can also be used to embed these tools in problem solving environments. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Problem solving environments; Agent-based modelling; Behavioral representations 1. Introduction The development of deregulated electricity systems around the world has produced the need for simulation systems that are capable of addressing the complex- ities that arise in the new markets. As these electric utility systems continue to evolve from regulated, ver- tically integrated monopoly structures to open markets that promote competition among suppliers and provide consumers with a choice of services, the unbundling of the generation, transmission, and distribution functions * Corresponding author. E-mail addresses: north@anl.gov (M. North), macal@anl.gov (C. Macal), campbell@anl.gov (P. Campbell). that is part of this evolution creates opportunities for many new players, or agents, to enter the market. It even creates new types of industries, including power bro- kers, marketers, and load aggregators or consolidators. As a result, fully functioning markets are distinguished by the presence of a large number of companies and players that are in direct competition. Economic the- ory holds that this will lead to increased economic ef- ficiency expressed in higher quality services and prod- ucts at lower retail prices. Each market participant has its own unique business strategy, risk preference, and decision model. Decentralized decision-making is one of the key features of the new deregulated markets. Agent-based models (ABMs) allow the use of com- plex adaptive systems approaches that are capable 0167-739X/$ – see front matter © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.future.2004.04.006