KAPSARC‘s Utilities of the Future project focuses on how technological disruptions from distributed energy resources (DERs) are transforming the electric power industry. Advances in generation technology and cost reductions are providing customers with attractive alternatives to electric utility services and opportunities to become ‘prosumers.’ This shift may reduce the reliance on centralized generators and the grid, ultimately changing the way electricity is produced, sold, transported and consumed. As a result, utilities around the world are re-evaluating their business models, and regulators are considering electricity market reforms.
This project addresses the key market, regulatory and energy policy issues necessary to achieving policy objectives in a power sector with high penetration of DERs.