Distributed energy resources (DER) refers to a diverse category of devices and technologies that interface with the electricity system at the distribution level, either directly connected to a distribution utility’s wires or on an end-use customer’s premises, behind the utility meter. Examples include distributed generation and storage, electric vehicles and charging stations, grid-interactive buildings and microgrids, as well as more traditional demand response or load flexibility resources and energy efficiency strategies. California has embraced the adoption of DER as an important strategy to meet its commitments to increase renewable and zero-carbon resources and support transportation and building electrification. In its role in gathering and analyzing critical energy system data to support energy policy development, the CEC launched an informational proceeding to further explore, collect information, conduct assessments, and support recommendations for the role of DER in California’s energy future. The informational proceeding is a multi-year activity.
In 2021 and 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requested that the CEC launch a stakeholder working group process and make recommendations to improve the method for determining the qualifying capacity of supply-side demand response, which are values based on what the resource can produce during periods of peak electricity demand. The CPUC made these requests in Decisions 21-06-029 and 22-06-050.
- Qualifying Capacity of Supply-Side Demand Response Working Group Interim Report - In February 2022, the CEC provided the CPUC with this CEC-adopted interim report.
- Qualifying Capacity of Supply-Side Demand Response Working Group Final Report - In January 2023, the CEC provided the CPUC with this CEC-adopted final report.