Pilot Projects – Guidelines for a Successful Grid Modernization Pilot Project Program

Aligning pilot programs to goals and objectives
Establishing a pilot program governance model
Stakeholder engagement in pilot programs
Pilot programs that lead to actionable next steps

Part Four of the Grid Modernization Briefing Series

What’s in this brief?

Pilot programs have been used or are being considered as part of many grid modernization programs. Utilities and regulators often see them as a first step in advancing their grid modernization plans. This brief provides SEPA’s perspective on best practices for the design and implementation of pilot programs. It focuses on key considerations that might impact the pilot program and how to ensure the program delivers the desired objective of moving the overall grid modernization initiative forward.

SEPA’s Grid Modernization Framework

The SEPA grid modernization framework is an industry wide view of technology, policy, customer, and business model concepts that regulators and utilities should consider as part of grid modernization planning. Constructed as a four part series, each brief explores SEPA’s lessons learned and recommended approaches around key topics impacting grid modernization. The four part series includes:

Part 1: “Non-Wires Alternatives – Incorporating NWAs into Your Grid Modernization Program”

Part 2: “Customer Impact – Keeping Customers at the Center of Grid Modernization”

Part 3: “Microgrids – The Role of Microgrids in the Regulatory Compact”

Part 4: “Pilot Projects – How to Establish a Successful Grid Modernization Pilot Project Program”