Welcome to the California Energy Commission

Energy Systems Integration Research

Historically, ESI's research has focused on six areas:

  • Demand Response: The Demand Response research program is focused on the energy consumer's ability to respond to supply-side electricity prices and system contingencies by way of communications and control technologies.
  • Distributed Energy Resources Systems Integration (DER): The DER System Integration research program is focused on issues related to using DER as part of the larger interconnected electricity grid. These issues include interconnection standards and technology, grid impacts, and market integration.
  • Distribution: The distribution research program area is currently under development. This program area will focus on addressing the challenges facing California's distribution system by developing more flexible and responsive distribution solutions that enable demand response and DER Integration.
  • Security: The security research program area is currently under development. This program area will focus on addressing security issues as they related to California's electric grid.
  • Strategic and Enabling Technologies: The Strategic systems and enabling technologies support innovative and often long-range RD&D. This research program area is open to new ideas for innovation that could provide benefits to California but do not fit elsewhere in the structure of the PIER program.
  • Transmission: The Transmission Research Program performs research projects that have the potential to enhance transmission capabilities.