Beyond The Meter: Planning the Distributed Energy Future, Volume II

Beyond The Meter: Planning the Distributed Energy Future, Volume II

  • Results of the new utility planning strategies
  • Risks and opportunities of new DER systems
  • More on the new distribution system planning framework

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Volume II: A case study of integrated DER planning by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

A new distribution system planning framework is emerging among utilities seeking to proactively plan for integration as distributed energy resource (DER) penetration increases.

Changes are driven by the customer seeking new choices around energy, technological development leading to lower costs and better performance, and new policies and regulatory proceedings. The transition to a higher-DER grid is requiring utilities and utility customers to embrace DERs in many forms.

Practical, real-world application of new utility planning strategies.

This case study illustrates how the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) conducted a holistic distributed energy resource (DER) impact study to forecast DER growth and plan for distribution challenges. Through the lens of SMUD, the report highlights risks and opportunities applicable to the broader electric utility industry. This publication is a sequel to the Planning the Distributed Energy Future, Volume I, which details a new, proactive distribution system planning framework.