The U.S. Department of Energy works closely with the electricity industry to identify challenges and proactively address grid transformation issues. Policies, changing customer preferences, and innovative technologies are all transforming power system planning and operations, particularly at the distribution grid.
The Office of Electricity has partnered with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to address challenges--including sharing guidance and best practices--in these key areas:
- Integrated Distribution System Planning--This framework helps decisionmakers to develop holistic grid investment strategies that address community and state policies and increasing complexity at the grid edge.
- Distributed Resource Utilization--The utilization of distributed energy resources owned and operated by multiple entities for distribution grid services requires increased standardization and maturity in their evaluation, implementation, and coordinated operations.
- Distribution System Design–-Determining future distribution system designs will require a holistic understanding of needed functional and structural requirements.
DOE works closely with various organizations representing state officials to examine issues and advance best practices relating to distribution system transformation and grid-edge evolution. Additional information, including reports and educational materials, are available from the Center for Partnerships & Innovation of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Foundational Documents
| Topic | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Distributed System Evolution | Outlines the three-stage progression of the distribution system to accommodate ever increasing levels of DER and electrification, including both technical and institutional considerations. | *April 2024 |
Contact Us
The Office of Placeholder
Office of the Assistant Secretary
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Mail Stop EE-1
Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585