Distributed Energy Resources (DER/CER)

A diverse range of small to medium scale Energy Resources that are either connected directly to the Distribution System (known as DER) or located behind the meter at residential, commercial and industrial Customer premises.  In some jurisdictions, customer-owned DER may be referred to as Customer Energy Resources or CER.

Active DER/CER are a multi-application resource capable of providing valuable Electric Products to the Power System.  It includes the following types of technologies:

  1. Distributed Generation (DG): including Distributed Photovoltaics (DPV) and Embedded Generators;
  2. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): including small and medium-scale batteries;
  3. Electric Vehicles (EV);
  4. Smart Inverters; and,
  5. Flexible Resources: including various loads that are responsive, such as air conditioning, electric hot water storage, water pumping, industrial loads and EV charging.

Given the fast-evolving nature of power system transformation, the Future Grid Accelerator (FGA) has the status of a perpetual BETA version. Your suggestions for how each concept and definition may be enhanced are very welcome.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in subsequent updates.

Please provide your suggestions to improve to this definition: