Distribution Systems in a High Distributed Energy Resources Future

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory hosted a webinar on November 13, 2015, titled "Distribution Systems in a High Distributed Energy Resources Future: Planning, Market Design, Operation and Oversight." To view a recording of the webinar, click here.

The report offers a practical three-stage framework to guide the evolution of distribution systems with growth in distributed energy resources. The authors provide a structured sequence that regulators and policy makers can use to assess options and develop a preferred distribution system tailored to their jurisdiction, with clear lines of sight to overarching regulatory and public policy objectives. The authors then compare three distribution operational models for the future and discuss the pros and cons of an independent Distribution System Operator (DSO) versus the distribution utility serving as the DSO. The report concludes with considerations and recommendations for policy makers, regulators, utilities and other stakeholders.