NYISO to Host Distributed Energy Resource Workshop

RENSSELAER, NY (11/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Distributed energy resource technologies will be the topic of a December 13 forum hosted by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, N.Y.

"The emergence and growth of technologies that enable decentralized power generation, energy storage and demand-side management pose an array of opportunities and challenges for the electric system. Our forum is intended to support the NYISO's review of distributed energy resource technologies as well as discuss their market potential, customer motivations and the regulatory framework governing their interaction with the bulk electric system," said Stephen G. Whitley, NYISO president and chief executive officer.

The event will feature a keynote address by New York State Public Service Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman, outlining an overarching vision for distributed energy resources in New York state.

"Significant threats to the reliability of the electric grid now exist that require a bold new vision for the grid of tomorrow, as outlined by Governor Cuomo," said Zibelman. "The increasing occurrence of devastating storms that result in widespread power outages highlights the critical need to ensure that our electric grid is made much more resilient. The introduction of system-wide, state-of-the-art distributed energy technologies will help safeguard the integrity of the electric transmission and distribution system, and it will help protect residential and business customers from outages."

The term, distributed energy resource, commonly refers to smaller-scale power generation and storage technologies typically located on an end-use customer's premises and operated to supply all or a portion of the customer's electric load. They also may inject power into the transmission and distribution system or a non-utility local network operating in parallel with the utility grid. Distributed energy resources may include such technologies as solar photovoltaic, combined heat and power or cogeneration systems, microgrids, wind turbines, micro turbines, back-up generators and energy storage.

The event will include panel discussions featuring industry experts and market participants that will support a study of distributed energy resource technologies that the consulting firm DNV KEMA is conducting for the NYISO. Panelists and conference participants will discuss a range of issues, including:

• Potential policies for achieving the vision of distributed energy resources in New York.
• Various behind-the-meter applications for distributed energy resources and customer motivations for employing the technology.
• The state of the technology, market penetration, market potential and relevant environmental and regulatory considerations.
• Retail rates and requirements for customers with distributed energy resources, treatment in wholesale markets, government incentives, policies and policy motivations.

The Distributed Energy Resource workshop is free of charge. However, space is limited and pre-registration is required for attendees. Registration must be received by December 10 to participate in person. Interested attendees can register online by clicking the "RSVP here" link on the NYISO Committee Calendar on the NYISO website, www.nyiso.com.