Ken Nichols and Frances Cleveland are presenting an EQL paper that was written for the Western Interstate Energy Board on the topic of the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Managing the Distribution System. The electrical grid works differently than the internet grid. It’s important to keep in mind the laws of physics, electrical principles, safety, and reliability when adding generation onto a utility’s distribution system. DER is getting lots of attention as penetration of solar increases on utility distribution systems throughout the west. The EQL paper breaks down the value and cost of integrating DER, e.g., demand response, solar, energy storage, and combined heat & power on utility distribution systems, and provides recommendations for utilities and regulators to integrate these valuable resources and accommodate customer preference for self generation.

Click image to download the report.