Local Constraints, Local Control: Scaling DER Operations for the Distribution Grid

Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

This session will explore how grid flexibility programs must evolve as portfolios scale and shift from system-level peak management to addressing local distribution constraints. As centralized control models run into limits around latency, communications, and operational complexity, utilities are increasingly adopting hybrid architectures that combine centralized coordination with localized intelligence at the grid edge. This roundtable focuses on how local constraint awareness, autonomous control, and edge-based execution improve the scalability, resilience, and effectiveness of grid operations, while still aligning with system-wide objectives. The session will be highly interactive, using a whiteboard reference architecture to discuss what works in real-world deployments today.