Distributed Generation Impacts

The interconnection of small scale distributed generation on distribution systems has been occurring for some time. IEEE 1547, first established in 2003, has proven to be adequate for most of the situations that it was intended to address. However, as we are beginning to see penetration levels higher than envisioned when IEEE 1547 was first released, shortcomings of that standard are beginning to emerge. This panel session gives two examples of adverse impacts to the electric power system when IEEE 1547 is strictly followed, one on voltage stability of a regional transmission system and the other on distribution feeder voltage fluctuations. In addition, we will see how the two active working groups within the IEEE 1547 series of standards are addressing these kinds of issues; P1547.7 - Draft Guide to Conducting Distribution Impact Studies for Distributed Resource Interconnection and P1547.8 - Draft Recommended Practice for Establishing Methods and procedures that Provide Supplemental Support for Implementation Strategies for Expanded Use of IEEE Standard 1547.