| | APRIL 202319Do Utilities Need Both ADMS and DERMS for DER Orchestration?CXO INSIGHTSSean Eade, Head of Innovation and Architecture, TRC DigitalByIn recent years, there have been growing discussions around the increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their impact on the grid. The pressure and challenges will continue to rise for utilities and non-utility grid operators as the number of DERs increase due to factors including:· State and federal clean energy mandates and emissions targets.· Increased zeal for spending on grid modernization from the passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA). · Increased pressure from more sustainability-minded consumers for low/no-carbon choices and options when it comes to energy.The discussion of DER proliferation necessitates the conversation of how utilities will manage and integrate them into the grid. Two primary schools of thought emerge--via the advanced distribution management system (ADMS) or via a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS). First, let's define these systems and the current landscape a bit. Currently, we are in the beginning stages of utilities investing in either system, so the question of what system will ultimately control DERs is early days; however, given the implementation cycles of these systems, it is something utilities need to consider now.Sean Eade
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