DER-enabled and Sensor-enabled Active Distribution System Management

High penetration level of distributed energy resources (DERs) introduces new opportunities and challenges for power system operations. One critical benefit of DERs is their prime location, which provides flexibility closest to demand and helps the system in many ways, from infrastructure deferrals to voltage management and improved resiliency. Together with DERs, distribution system sensors, smart meters, and advanced management techniques enable effective operation and control of distribution systems. Advanced computational techniques can be leveraged to identify primary and secondary distribution systems topologies and states. Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence can be used to forecast load and to assess demand flexibility. Advanced aggregation strategies enable scaled utilization of demand side resources for providing grid services. DER coordination approaches enable enhanced power quality, better outage management and can improve power system resiliency. This panel will discuss innovative approaches for distribution system operation and control using DERs and sensors and smart meter data.