SEPA Working Group 2022 Forum

Rise and Shine: Expanding Community Solar through State and Federal Action

State, federal and utility actions to encourage the adoption of community solar are driving deployment to new heights. States – through legislation and regulatory action – are facilitating and accelerating deployment via statewide programs, financial incentives, and approval of large-scale utility and low- to moderate-income (LMI) programs. The U.S. Department of Energy is supporting its bold national target – for community solar to power 5 million households and create $1 billion in energy savings by 2025 – via several new initiatives, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes tax incentives that open even more opportunities. 

Painting the Picture of the Utility – Customer Relationship in 2030

In this facilitated discussion, participants will convene in small breakout groups to discuss and debate different future scenarios of the customer – utility relationship (.e.g. a prosumer world, a transactive energy world, V2X vs. managed charging, a business as usual world, less engaged customers, etc.). In small groups, we will identify the trade-offs, motivators, and other considerations that are relevant to how the customer – utility relationship will evolve as we navigate the energy transition. The discussion will be focused on transportation electrification and will explore both commercial and residential customers.

Energy Storage Speed Dating — Accelerating Energy Storage to Reach 100% Carbon Free

Join SEPA’s Energy Storage Working Group to think, pair, and share with industry peers on opportunities and challenges in deploying energy storage for a carbon-free future. Participate in a facilitated “speed dating” activity to connect with and learn from others in this space, through the help of focused question prompts.

The Grid Architecture Working Group provides the electric sector with thought-leadership in the discipline of grid architecture & related-field of IT enterprise architecture. Through a business scenario highlighting grid needs, this session will orient the participant to understand how the solid application of grid architecture helps mitigate uncertainties & risk, resulting in a flexible & adaptable grid.

Peer-to-Peer Learning on Microgrids’ Ability to Support the Carbon-free Transition

Join us to learn more about how microgrids are leveraged for grid, community, and customer resilience. During a member-led “show and tell”, you’ll hear from selected working group members on their microgrid-related projects and engage in Q&A. We’ll focus on issues ranging from strategic deployment of microgrids, to regulatory and business models, as well as underserved communities.

Developing a Sure Win for DER Communication

Successful DER integration will rely on the ability of the systems to cross-communicate — be interoperable — with each other. What are the touch points that allow the smart grid to facilitate system-to-system communication? Join us as we decipher the required, communication design elements that can provide for interoperability across the smart grid.

Transactive Energy’s Value and Place in a Carbon-Free Future

Transactive Energy (TE) will play an important role in an increasingly distributed electric system and transition to a carbon-free energy future. Drawing on real world examples, this interactive session will establish a basic understanding of TE, as well as where it fits in the renewable future. Participants will advance their understanding of how TE facilitates coordination between energy producers and consumers, and how it provides flexibility to the grid during a time of growing electric demand.