Distributed energy systems encompass not only distributed energy production such as rooftop or community solar and distributed wind but also the flexible management of those sources and energy use by buildings, electric vehicle charging, heat pumps, and other drivers of electric demand. By scaling distributed energy systems, we can more effectively deliver and use clean, reliable power for more communities, reducing electric losses along transmission and distribution lines, and increasing grid resiliency. 

As more sectors turn to electrification to decarbonize, the ability to manage a more diverse set of grid assets will add much needed energy resilience in a time of increasing grid strain and disruptions due to severe weather events caused by climate change. Through this program, OCED seeks utility and/or private sector-led organizations with the technical expertise to design and operate distributed energy systems that integrate high levels (MW) of variable clean energy resources. Projects will demonstrate aggregated approaches that integrate utility planning, sensors, communications and control infrastructure, and solutions to long-term operations. 

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