Changes in electric utilities driven by the emergence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER)—energy efficiency, demand management, distributed generation, storage, electric vehicles, and microgrids—impact all the major functions of the traditional utility business. The degree of impact to regulatory, operations, system planning, customers, stakeholder management, revenue generation, and pricing vary significantly by state and region. California is leading the industry in proactively integrating these resources into the grid. DER have proliferated in the state, and the utilities, regulators, and myriad stakeholders are working to plan, operate, and manage the grid to the advantage of all parties.

Because we understand and have worked in all the functions of a utility, we are well positioned to help navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities inherent in greater penetration of DER on the grid. California may be the harbinger of things to come in other parts of the country. ScottMadden can help.