Smart distribution system research in EPRI's Smart Grid Demonstration Initiative

EPRI's Smart Grid Demonstration Initiative is focused on collaborating with electric utilities around the world and helping to advance the industry in regards to integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DER). An important aspect of these demonstration projects is the evolution of a smart distribution systems making integration of DER possible. A wide variety of factors play into every electric utilities strategy on deploying smart grid technologies including regulatory environment, age and functionality of existing assets, communication infrastructure, geography, reliability, cost to implement, and associated benefits. What appears to be a common technology implementation is actually very unique from one utility to the next and is therefore very important that the industry shares knowledge and lessons learned to help advance the industry. This paper provides several examples of integration approaches and early project results along with information on how to keep aware of the project status through 2014.