Local Solutions Are Key to Grid Modernization
by ROBIN DUTTA
Last month, the New York Times published an article titled, "Why the U.S. Electric Grid Isn’t Ready for the Energy Transition," that provided a valuable but incomplete examination of the challenges facing our national electric grid. The authors left out the broad benefits that small-scale clean energy resources, like Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) bring to the electric grid.
Our energy system's future cannot be a patched up version of our existing, centralized grid. Local clean energy, also called Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), provide a flexible, resilient and secure solution that can modernize the grid while meeting clean energy needs. DERs make us more resilient to extreme weather events, minimize risks from physical and cyber grid attacks, and can save hundreds of billions of dollars on the path to a 100% clean grid.
While we do need to update and enhance our grid system, let's not overlook the profound potential of local solutions. Long-distance transmission is no longer the gold standard it once was. To properly incorporate clean energy into the grid, the way forward must make room for and prioritize clean energy technologies. A local solar and storage combination, for instance, can supply clean, affordable energy right where it's needed, reducing total grid costs and improving overall performance while also protecting ratepayers from unexpected outages during extreme weather events.
With DERs, we can empower consumers by bringing energy generation and storage closer to home, bypassing the need for an extensive, nationwide network of high-voltage transmission lines. DERs make the grid more resilient to extreme weather events and reduce transmission congestion.
DERs have a vital role to play in the clean energy transition, especially if we want to achieve the Biden administration’s goal of 100 percent clean electricity generation by 2035 to slash carbon pollution levels in half.
We don’t just need an upgrade – we need a revolution in how we produce and distribute power, and DERs are a critical part of this change.
