Distributed energy resources or DERs, things such as rooftop solar panels on homes and small businesses, home or business batteries and electric vehicles are an important option in managing demand for electricity. When these resources are combined through the use of software, they can create what’s called a virtual power plant.

On this podcast, we talk with two experts in the field: Rebekah de la Mora, a senior policy analyst at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, and Lakin Garth, senior director of grid strategy at the Smart Electric Power Alliance. 

They discussed state legislation and regulations that affect DERs and the benefits to consumers. Garth also explained how DERs can be aggregated to form virtual power plants that a utility can use to manage peak power demand.

N.B.: The NC Clean Energy Technology Center offers complimentary copies of the 50 State studies to federal and state legislators and staffers, utility commissioners, utility commission staff, state consumer advocate office staff, and state energy office staff. Contact the center to request a copy. 

Resources

• 50 State Reports, NC Clean Energy Technology Center
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, NC Clean Energy Technology Center
• Distributed Energy Resources 101, NCSL
• NC Clean Energy Technology Center
• Smart Energy Power Alliance