S7 - Ep 4 - Yoga For the Grid: Making the Distribution System More Flexible and Resilient

Distributed energy resources (or DERs) – such as distributed solar or wind, demand response, and energy storage – have long been touted as part of the solution to create a more flexible, resilient and clean electric grid. These DERs are growing in popularity and the demand for consumer-sited resources is surging, as prices drop and people seek greater energy security. Yet, despite their fanfare, DERs still remain a relatively small percentage of the electricity grid and an underutilized resource when it comes to utility distribution system operations and planning. DERs have the potential to yield a more flexible and resilient (and, ultimately, a more reliable) grid – but only if that potential is allowed to be realized. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Shipley of the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) and Brian Lydic of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)to explore what is happening on the cutting edge of DER policies, regulations, codes and standards. We’ll also talk about grid flexibility, resilience, and what more is needed to unlock the full potential of DERS.