Electric Cooperatives Implement Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems to Enhance Grid Management
Electric cooperatives are beginning to implement Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS) to better manage flexible demand-side energy. This move is driven by the increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers, which create dynamic power flows. Implementing DERMS involves several critical first steps, including building a robust business case, defining initial use cases such as DER visibility, demand response, and EV charging coordination, and aligning IT and operations stakeholders. Additionally, selecting a scalable architecture is crucial for future growth. Representatives from Ozarks Electric Cooperative and Big Rivers Electric Corporation shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of educating internal senior staff, member-owners, and boards on the benefits and challenges of DERMS. They emphasized that a delicate approach to demand response programs is necessary to ensure member satisfaction and...
