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Distribution Systems in a High Distributed Energy Resources Future

Publication Type

Report

Date Published

10/2015

Authors

De Martini, Paul, Lorenzo Kristov, Lisa C. Schwartz

Abstract

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.

Journal

Future Electric Utility Regulation Report Series

Volume

FEUR Report No. 2

Year of Publication

2015

Notes

The National Electricity Delivery Division of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability provides funding for the Future Electric Utility Regulation series. Lisa Schwartz, in Berkeley Lab's Electricity Markets and Policy Group, is the project manager and technical editor.

To see more information on this report series, click here.

An article related to this report: IEEE Smart Grid article