California Regulator Launches Proceeding to Facilitate Integration of Growing Distributed Resources

The California Public Utilities Commission on June 24 opened a proceeding to modernize the state’s electric grid, in order to accommodate the growing number of distributed energy resources, including electric vehicle charging. The proceeding will maximize ratepayer value through a range of actions including clarifying grid roles and responsibilities, charging infrastructure forecasting, and community involvement.

The docket, a successor to the commissions 2014 distribution resource plans proceeding, will continue to examine the role of planning and grid data transparency to support optimal siting and operations of distributed resources. The agency will also probe into grid modernization technologies such as smart inverters and distributed resource management systems to bolster grid reliability.

The proceeding will explore ways to enhance community engagement in grid planning and examine the evolving roles and responsibilities of utilities, distribution operators, and stakeholders to tackle growth. Among the key outcomes, the proceeding envisions fast evolution of grid capabilities and operations for integration of distributed resources and to reliably meet the state’s goal of attaining a carbon-free grid by 2045. Next, the proceeding seeks to enhance distribution planning to facilitate widespread transportation electrification. Finally, the measure aims to optimize grid infrastructure through community input on planned developments, siting plans, and resiliency requirements.

California’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly driven by its ambitious clean energy and carbon reduction goals. The rapid in increase in distributed resources, which poses new challenges for distribution planning and load management, is also expected to create opportunities to add flexibility to customer demand, integrate more renewables, boost resiliency, and support equity.