Abstract
The modern power system has reached its present state after wading a long path facing several changes in strategies and the implementation of several reforms. Economic and geographical constraints led to reforms and deregulations in the power system to utilize resources optimally within the existing framework. The major hindrance in the efficient operation of the deregulated power system (DPS) is congestion, which is the result of the participation of private players under deregulation policies. This paper reviews different setbacks introduced by congestion and the methods applied/proposed to mitigate it. Technical and non-technical methods are reviewed and detailed. Major optimization techniques proposed to achieve congestion alleviation are presented comprehensively. This paper combines major publications in the field of congestion management and presents their contribution towards the alleviation of congestion.