Behind-the-Meter Assets: Path towards Increased Visibility and Controllability

With the rapidly increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and EVs in the residential electricity sector, it is important for utilities to have visibility over those behind-the-meter (BTM) assets. These assets may not properly contribute to benefit the premises or to the grid if they are not managed optimally; instead, their suboptimal operation may jeopardize grid operations or deprive the grid and the premises from receiving the maximum possible benefits. Besides, there are controllable loads such as HVAC and Electric Water Heater (EWH) in the premises that can be coordinated with DER and EV operations. With the advent of grid edge control and communication technologies, optimal frameworks for independent operation of assets and information exchange between the premises and the utility can provide a better understanding on premises flexibility and possible operation for grid services. In this panel, we assemble experts from the industry, academia, national labs, and government to discuss the state-of-the-art in progress, challenges, and opportunities in grid edge technologies and hierarchical control related to BTM DERs providing grid services through the lens of existing initiatives.