2027 Event Agenda

Utilities face a common challenge: electrification demand is accelerating faster than traditional distribution upgrades can be delivered. EV charging plazas, fleet depots, data centers, batteries, and distributed generation increasingly require megawatts of capacity on constrained circuits where upgrades may take years to complete.

This session examines how utilities are moving beyond traditional interconnection models through Flexible Service Connections, Dynamic Operating Envelopes, managed charging, and DER orchestration. Drawing on lessons from Salt River Project's Flex Connect initiative and California utility programs, presenters will discuss how utilities are using DERMS platforms, day-ahead forecasting, and standards-based communications to unlock existing grid capacity while maintaining reliability.

Real-world case studies will demonstrate how utilities can provide customers with access to substantially more capacity than traditional static interconnection approaches by dynamically coordinating flexible loads and distributed energy resources.

Attendees will learn:

• How utilities are using DERMS platforms and Dynamic Operating Envelopes to increase hosting capacity and defer costly distribution upgrades.
• Lessons from Flex Connect deployments where customers can connect years sooner by accepting dynamic operating limits rather than static load restrictions.
• How IEEE 2030.5, DERMS, ADMS, aggregators, and customer energy management systems work together to enable utility flexibility programs.
• The evolving role of managed charging, flexible load management, distributed generation, batteries, and vehicle-to-grid resources within utility operations.
• Policy, operational, and customer engagement considerations for scaling flexible interconnection programs across utility territories.

As utilities transition from passive DER integration to active grid orchestration, flexible interconnection may become one of the most important tools available for accommodating electrification growth without waiting for traditional infrastructure expansion.

Potential Speakers

• Salt River Project (Flex Connect Program Leads)
• Codibly
• SunSpec Alliance
• Pacific Gas and Electric Company
• California Public Utilities Commission