The current discussion around Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and grid modernization often relies upon a magic box called optimization to make everything work. According to its proponents, it will coordinate tens of millions of grid-connected devices, unlock loads of latent value, and avoid the need […]
This is Better Than “Optimal” Read More »
In the discipline of Grid Architecture, we recognize that an architecture is composed of three types of things: structure, back box components, and externally visible characteristics. Components are black box in the sense that we are not concerned with how they work or are implemented
DER and Anti-Gravity Read More »
Changing the grid to meet 21st Century needs is a serious business, involving hard work at all stages. There is much discussion in the industry about grid transformation, but most proposals and efforts are in fact incremental steps that make essentially small linear changes to
Building the Grid We Need: Incremental Change vs. Core Grid Transformation Read More »
“A source of increasing tension is the difference in mindset between the traditional industry scarcity mindset versus customers and new business entities with an abundance mindset.” Scarcity thinking has permeated much of the electricity industry’s regulation and decision-making methods that are now constraining the transition
Abundance vs Scarcity Thinking Read More »
It’s the early evening in the dog days of summer in California on a warm Tuesday night. In the background I can hear the muffled sounds of the SF Giants baseball game playing on the tv. With each crack of the bat, my head pops
This Little Light of Mine Read More »
The Pacific Energy Institute is pleased to announce the release of its new white paper, “A Gambit for Grid 2035”. This paper by the Institutes’ Fellows examines the evolution of the power industry and structural considerations as we accelerate towards a clean and distributed electricity
A Gambit for Grid 2035 Read More »
Wonder why non-wires alternative procurements are failing to meet the frothy expectations of five years ago? One reason is that most distributed energy resource (DER) aggregators have quietly pivoted to other more profitable business models. Some firms have pivoted to become DER management “software as
Where Have all the Aggregators Gone? Read More »
Bob Dylan, that well known electric utility analyst, famously noted that “The times they are a changing…the waters around you have grown…you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone…” Who knew he was talking about electric rates, but he was. The waters are
The Future of Electric Rates Read More »
Transformation of the electric industry isn’t isolated from the larger societal, customer and technological changes that have impacted other industries. The future history of the electric industry will be based on its ability to make institutional changes to anticipate and adapt to rapidly changing customer
The electric industry is changing! This is old news to many of you, but in my 30-year career in the electric utility industry there has never been as many driving forces for change that could so fundamentally change the industry. Things like new regulatory models,
Are We Smart Enough? Read More »