3.6 Distribution Resource Planning With DER Systems
3.6.2 “More Than Smart” Distribution Planning Principles
A seminal White Paper was developed and edited by Paul De Martini of the Resnick Sustainability Institute at the California Institute of Technology, called “More Than Smart, A Framework to Make the Distribution Grid More Open, Efficient and Resilient” which was included in the California DRP ruling . It outlines four key principles around distribution grid planning, design build, operations and integrating DER into operations to create a more open, efficient and resilient grid:
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Distribution planning should start with a comprehensive, scenario driven, multi stakeholder planning process that standardizes data and methodologies to address locational benefits and costs of distributed resources.
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California’s distribution system planning, design and investments should move towards an open, flexible, and node-friendly network system (rather than a centralized, linear, closed one) that enables seamless DER integration.
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California’s electric distribution service operators (DSO) should have an expanded role in utility distribution operations (with CAISO) and should act as a technology-neutral marketplace coordinator and situational awareness and operational information exchange facilitator while avoiding any operational conflicts of interest.
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Flexible DER can provide value today to optimize markets, grid operations and investments. California should expedite DER participation in wholesale markets and resource adequacy, unbundle distribution grid operations services, create a transparent process to monetize DER services and reduce unnecessary barriers for DER integration.