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Summary 

The high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) on modern distribution systems introduces intermittent power generation, stochastic system operating conditions, and bidirectional power flows that impact the system responses to various types of disturbances and may pose challenges to the operations and reliability of the Bulk Energy System (BES). In order to understand the impact of DERs on the planning and operation of the BES, the distribution system can no longer be represented as a single load at a node on the transmission system. At the same time, advanced control capabilities of DERs offer potential opportunities for improving BES reliability by transforming DERs from a passive “do no harm” resource to an active “support reliability” resource when applied in a planned and well-thought-out manner. This concept is often described as DER “flexibility.” With the persistent trend towards a high penetration of DERs in distribution systems, regulators such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), planning coordinators and grid operators are in serious need of
understanding the full-spectrum impact of DERs on the BES to ensure secure and reliable grid planning and operations.

Published by

Argonne National Laboratory with NERC