Regulatory and policy directions and impacts.
Understanding potential directions, impacts of Smart Grid policies
Rules make markets. And rules are driving the immediate action on Smart Grid. However, customers are making their own energy decisions, such as rooftop and community solar generation, that are forcing regulatory activity—pulling the regulators along. Utilities are more willing to go along with the customer if the regulators are on board.
A Smart Grid policy statement from the various entities that will govern the technology is needed. Other major areas of regulatory interest include demand response and federal eminent domain for transmission siting. At the end of the day, much of the focus needs to be on energy security, not just on renewable, cost or any other dynamic.
Smart Grid interoperability standards for a cohesive utility future
Standards are needed and do need to be developed. The industry cannot move forward with numerous conflicting and non-interoperable standards. But in the US, standards are often seen as hindering innovation. But the main focus of the standards should be on the main interoperability issues as opposed to the specific aspects of operation within a given utility territory.
In the US, there are 50 State plus several ISO/RTO “Petri dishes” to try different approaches to a Smart Grid regulatory environment. As State regulators try different regulatory approaches, Smart Grid first movers and earlier adopters are in a position to set precedence and lead the market.
About the Utility of the Future conference
KEMA’s 2nd annual Utility of the Future executive conference was held June 18 – 19, 2009 in Washington DC.
For information on the panel participants and keynote speakers, download the conference summary Whitepaper, “Utility of the Future: Navigating energy sustainability.”
Thoughts, comments or insights? Join the KEMA Utility of the Future conversation.
KEMA’s 2nd annual Utility of the Future conference session summaries.
The utility industry is at a point of historic transformation. Communications, collaboration and innovation are key to how well utilities will fare in a fast-paced, always-on future.
Transforming the sustainable energy future requires significant investment in smart grid, energy efficiency and renewable technologies.
The Smart Grid is the foundation for Smart Energy.
There continues to be significant regulatory uncertainty in energy generation—particularly so in light of the American Climate and Energy Security Act.
The utility industry expects to see new carbon policy limiting carbon emissions during the current administration.
Energy storage is a transformative technology—it has the potential to change everything.
Plug-in vehicles (PEVs) have become a topic of focus of bulk system operators, along with demand response, renewables and smart grid.
Smart grid technology is a bridge that connects generation supply, demand and customers. To make it work, we need to know what customers are going to do.