Distribution Operations: The Evolution of Distributed Energy Resources [Guest Editorial]

Abstract

UTILITIES THROUGHOUT THE world are experiencing change with the increasing digitalization of their systems and those of their customers.Efforts to decarbonize the electric power system have led to growth in renewable energy resources, particularly distributed energy resources (DERs), such as generation, storage, and flexible load, both in front of and behind the meter.As this change occurs in any given utility service area, new tools, such as advanced distribution management systems (AD-MSs), are needed to manage utility operations, planning, and business issues, some of which are discussed here.✔ Two-way power flow: The distribution system worldwide is designed to be radial in nature, with power flowing one way from centralized generation sources to consumption.This paradigm is being upended by the introduction of DERs, in particular at the grid edge.This is a change of a very fundamental nature, and it impacts nearly everything in the grid, including infrastructure design and protection, work procedures and safety, grid operations, system planning, and commercial operations.✔ New technical and business configurations: The growth in DERs, the use of nonwires alternative solutions, and the emergence of customer-owned microgrids are