Lorenzo Kristov and Josh Keeling on Maximizing DER Deployment

Lorenzo Kristov and Josh Keeling join Ahlmahz and Paul to talk about maximizing the deployment of distributed energy resources but first we make them say something nice about electric utilities

Lorenzo Kristov and Josh Keeling join Ahlmahz Negash, PhD and Paul Dockery for a discussion of FERC 2222, maximizing the distribution-level customer value of distributed energy resources, international examples of unbundling the functions of distribution utilities, and 80/20 advice on how to make the most progress toward DER deployment. First, we make them compliment electric utilities.

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12:17 - say something nice about electric utilities

Lorenzo and Josh brought a lot of great compliments and some not-so-nice compliments. Among the list of compliments they didn’t get to but shared by Josh Keeling afterward:

• Pretty good at the poles and wires game
• Never get confused about the differences between “useful life” and “economic life”
• Captain planet-like super team of lawyers, economists, engineers, and accountants
• Never scared to pilot something
• Always happy to explain what “you just don’t understand” about distribution engineering
• Very optimistic: can always find a way to point out how “used and useful” things are
• Really good at finding new ways to apply the word “innovation”
• Never too quick into something “at scale”
• Really are the best of both world between trudging local government and greedy corporate monopoly

15:51 - discussion of FERC Order No. 2222

• FERC order 2222
• NREL summary
• NARUC status update

25:05 - maximizing the distribution-level and customer value of DERs

• Catalyst w/ Shayle Kahn episode on electrification

40:06 - international examples of unbundling the functions of distribution utilities

48:58 - 80/20 of DER interconnection

• Volts episode with Saul Griffith 
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council, DER interconnection best practices

1:00:05 - Ahlmahz’s insightful question of the week

1:03:10 - DER for a day

1:08:20 - Josh Keeling’s closing thoughts

Public Power Underground, for electric utility enthusiasts! Public Power Underground, it’s work to watch!

What is Public Power Underground?

Public Power Underground is more than a discussion about public ownership of electric infrastructure, the infotaining episodes cover the energy enthusiast trifecta of electrification, markets, and people. The hosts interview industry experts on a broad range of energy industry and energy-industry-adjacent topics at the nexus of electric utilities and the energy transition. The podcast doesn’t take itself too seriously and frequently plays energy inspired games like “energy enthusiasm distilled,” “draw an analogy,” and “say something nice about electric utilities."