The National Academies propose a workshop to convene leaders from government, industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to consider how to maintain and improve the operational integrity of the United States’ electricity grid while it integrates an increasing number of complex, distributed elements. This workshop will assess the current state and future evolution of adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) and behind-the-meter technologies in the U.S. electricity system, providing a description of the relevant attributes of the key technologies in this area and how they influence and interact with the electricity system. The effects of increasing numbers of DERs and distributed technologies on the operability of the electricity grid from an operator perspective will be discussed at both the distribution and bulk power system levels. Workshop participants will consider the research needs, operational standards, regulations, market incentives and other elements necessary to ensure the continuing operational integrity of the U.S. electricity system with increasing DER penetration.

The planning committee will be responsible for setting the agenda of the workshop, which will include topics such as:

• How the continued rapid expansion of DERs, behind-the-meter technologies, and related distributed elements affect a grid operator’s ability to maintain reliable and equitable electricity service

• What capabilities and technologies are required by the grid operators to improve system operations during normal operating conditions and during extreme conditions

• What technologies and capabilities for improved system visibility and operations can be provided by technologies and capabilities provided within the distribution system

• Which synergies and complications may arise from a more-complex and distributed grid which is simultaneously undergoing a process of switching to a greater share of renewable and net-zero energy sources