Panel Session: Hierarchical Control of Behind-the-Meter Distributed Energy Resources: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities (slides)

With the rapidly increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the residential electricity sector, it is important for utilities to identify or manage those behind-the-meter (BTM) DERs synergistically. These DERs may not properly contribute to the benefits of the premise or to the grid if they are not managed optimally; instead, their suboptimal operation may jeopardize grid operations or deprive the grid and the premise from receiving the maximum possible benefits. Besides, there are controllable loads in the premise that can be coordinated with DER operations for the abovementioned purposes. With the advent of grid edge hardware and communication protocols, optimal frameworks for autonomous operation of assets and information exchange between the premise and the utility can provide grid services of value.

In this panel, we assemble experts from the industry, national lab, and research institutes to discuss the state-of-the-art in progress, challenges, and opportunities in grid edge technologies, hierarchical control, and communication protocols germane to BTM DERs providing grid services through the lens of an active project.