This paper is the first part of a two-part study on the application of multi-agent systems (MAS) in power engineering. It explores the concepts, approaches, and technical challenges of using MAS in the power industry. The paper discusses the potential benefits of MAS technology, such as flexibility, extensibility, fault tolerance, and the ability to model complex systems. It also highlights the importance of defining key terms and concepts related to MAS, such as autonomy, reactivity, pro-activeness, and social ability. The paper emphasizes the need for standards and guidance in the development and implementation of MAS in power engineering. It also compares MAS with other technologies such as grid computing, web services, and artificial intelligence techniques. The paper concludes that MAS can provide significant benefits for power engineering applications, but there are still technical challenges that need to be addressed. The second part of the paper will focus on the practical implementation of MAS in power engineering.This paper is the first part of a two-part study on the application of multi-agent systems (MAS) in power engineering. It explores the concepts, approaches, and technical challenges of using MAS in the power industry. The paper discusses the potential benefits of MAS technology, such as flexibility, extensibility, fault tolerance, and the ability to model complex systems. It also highlights the importance of defining key terms and concepts related to MAS, such as autonomy, reactivity, pro-activeness, and social ability. The paper emphasizes the need for standards and guidance in the development and implementation of MAS in power engineering. It also compares MAS with other technologies such as grid computing, web services, and artificial intelligence techniques. The paper concludes that MAS can provide significant benefits for power engineering applications, but there are still technical challenges that need to be addressed. The second part of the paper will focus on the practical implementation of MAS in power engineering.