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Great overview of the challenges and opportunities that DERs present as solutions to CAs grid challenges. One of my ongoing concerns is that CA reg apparatus is moving too slow to modernize regs to support scaling which in turn self fulfills concerns https://www-latimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-01-05/california-scrambling-avoid-blackouts-solar-batteries?_amp=true
While CA is not yet in a position to ‘flip the switch’ to solely rely on DR, rooftop solar and storage, CA must not hold back key reforms like allowing BTM storage to be valued at fully rated discharge (like grid batteries already are).
Yes, some immediate gas plant enhancements may be needed. Yes, big batteries will needed. But we must invest equally in the demand side - particularly bc the cost structure it presents is potentially so beneficial to consumers.
CA has long prioritized EE and DR in our Loading Order due to their cost saving benefits to consumers and the economy at large. Now is not the time to diminish that focus.
This fall, a group of energy suppliers, advocates and leading clean energy companies called on CA PUC, CAISO, and CEC to take five concrete, near term steps to enhance the grid by allowing more DER participation. Now more than ever, it’s time to act quickly to implement
