Distributed Energy Resources are expected to rapidly grow. This growth leads to several challenge for utilities in grid management activities: Communication and integration so information can flow, both from and to the customer/grid

• Reliability and stability challenges associated with diverse and dispersed assets now populating the grid aging infrastructure
• More variable generation with, for example, higher solar PV penetration and more variable loads with, for example, EVs
• Optimizing and orchestrating a large number and wide variety of assets

But if managed correctly, DERs can also create significant value for utilities and customers:

• BEHIND-THE-METER (Site Optimization): DER management creates value for the customer through lowering their energy bill and allow customers to be less dependent on the grid in generation and in time of outages.
• TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION (Grid Services): Value created for the utility through grid management and optimization. Increases reliability, renewables penetration, and defers the need for new CAPEX deployments.
• SYSTEM (Market Applications): DER aggregation that allows for financial gain through ISO/RTO market participation. This Forum discusses the solutions and vendors to utilities for DER management to unlock their potential as a resource, and manage their impact on the grid.

In addition to the slides and videos that can be found in the Content section, we will use the two Frameworks linked below to dissect the vendor landscape.

• DER Management Solution Landscape
• DERMS Innovator Comparison