Date: November 2025

PG&E anticipates significant load increases over the next 20 years due to EV adoption, building electrification, and continued adoption of distributed solar, behind-the-meter storage and flexible loads. Orchestrating distributed energy resources (DER) is crucial for managing such a highly electrified and decarbonized grid. This session focuses on developing a DER orchestration framework to optimize the behavior of a diverse portfolio of DER according to the reliability balancing, temporal availability, and cost-efficiency needed to solve one or multiple distribution grid needs. The DER orchestration framework includes: Defining DER attributes characterizing the availability, reliability, and cost components of a DER. Engaging a portfolio of DER (e.g. via a rate, a DER program). Scoring those DER against a distribution grid need (e.g. distribution capacity deferral, energizing load faster). Prioritizing DERs as either a base, supplemental and emergency resource in meeting the grid need. Allocating DER within a resource priority. Quantifying benefits of orchestrated DERs.

Speakers:
Salma Bakr, PG&E
Saumil Patel, ICF
John de Villier, E3