Operational Readiness for DERMS

As utilities accelerate the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) are becoming a foundational capability for enabling visibility, coordination, and control across increasingly dynamic distribution systems. However, successful DERMS adoption requires more than technology deployment—it demands operational readiness across people, processes, data, governance, and utility operating models. 

This session explores the operational, technical, and organizational considerations required to plan, validate, and scale DERMS capabilities in real-world utility environments. Participants will examine why data readiness, accurate network models, and integration foundations such as GIS, SCADA, AMI, weather, and DER data are critical to reliable DERMS operation. The session also highlights how regulatory drivers, interconnection rules, grid codes, and interoperability standards influence DERMS strategies, use case prioritization, and communication architectures. 

Attendees will gain practical insights into progressing from early visibility and advisory functions toward semi-automated and automated DER control through phased deployment strategies, pilot programs, structured validation, and operational testing. Whether beginning a DERMS journey or expanding existing capabilities, this session provides lessons learned and real-world perspectives for building scalable, operationally sustainable DERMS programs.