Distributed Energy Resources and Distribution Network Impacts
What are the challenges and opportunities created by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)? How can policies help or hinder outcomes? Are there ways to improve both adoption and functionality of DERs? Find out in this conversation between leading research and policy experts. The recording is available here.
Speakers:
- Dr. Jim Bushnell is a Professor of Economics at the University of California, Davis, and a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He is currently researching ways to quantify existing and pending distribution system impacts of high penetration levels of distributed energy resources and loads. Since 2002, he has served on the Market Surveillance Committee (MSC) of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
- Dr. Anamika Dubey is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University. She is currently conducting a multidisciplinary research project that examines the impact of demand response programs on distribution systems. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Power System Engineering Research Center (PSERC), and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL).
- Dr. Alan Jenn is an Assistant Professional Researcher at the Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (PH&EV) group of the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) at the University of California, Davis as well as an affiliate at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He investigates how future electric vehicle demand will impact the development of electricity distribution infrastructure and has collaborated with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency on analyzing electric vehicle policies.
- Michelle Rosier is the Economic Analysis Supervisor for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. She previously served as the Distributed Energy Resource Specialist focusing on interconnection standards (process, agreements and technical requirements); as well as, grid modernization, integrated distribution planning, hosting capacity analysis, tariff and rate design, dispute resolution and stakeholder engagement.
- Elizabeth Stein (moderator) is the Lead Counsel for Energy Transition at the Environmental Defense Fund. She engages in state proceedings to advocate for aligning energy policies with state climate policies, with a particular focus on reducing reliance on oil and gas in the transportation and building sectors.
This webinar is co-sponsored by Policy Integrity and the Environmental Defense Fund, and is part of an ongoing series highlighting research funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in the electricity transmission and distribution space. Stay tuned for upcoming events!
