Source: IREC

A guide intended as an aid for state regulators as they oversee utilities developing hosting capacity analyses to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) on their distribution systems is available from Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). The independent, non-profit organization based in Latham, N.Y., advocates reliance on Hosting Capacity Analyses, a new analytical tool supporting grid modernization and enabling full realization of DER benefits.

Hosting capacity refers to the amount of DERs that can be accommodated on the distribution system at a given time and at a given location, under existing grid conditions and operations, without adversely impacting grid safety or reliability and without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.

Optimizing the Grid: A Regulator’s Guide to Hosting Capacity Analyses for Distributed Energy Resources provides coverage and recommendations pertaining to:

• Key process considerations for hosting capacity analyses efforts overseen by utility regulators, including effective regulatory stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Lessons learned from hosting capacity analyses efforts in several states.

• Principal use cases for hosting capacity analyses and considerations to ensure they are designed to address and achieve identified goals, including state energy policy goals.

• Principal categories of analytical methodologies, with an overview of the differences and tradeoffs between methodologies.

• Key considerations for regulators when guiding and overseeing the implementation of hosting capacity analyses, including evaluation and selection of a well-considered methodology based upon its intended use.

• Factors relevant to evaluate the performance of hosting capacity analyses, relative to identified goals, including how to validate results to improve accuracy and functionality over time.

• Strategies for implementing an effective stakeholder engagement process to help guide the development of a hosting capacity analysis that is useful to a wide range of customers.