2027 Event Agenda

As distributed energy resources (DERs) continue to scale rapidly across distribution systems, utilities are encountering a growing and often unexpected challenge: power quality and stability issues in “weak” grid conditions. Once largely confined to transmission systems, these challenges are now emerging across distribution feeders—with increasing frequency and urgency.

Unlike traditional, steady-state power quality concerns—such as voltage excursion or imbalance—these emerging issues are dynamic and driven by complex interactions between inverter controls and the grid. They often cannot be identified through conventional planning studies and may only appear under specific operating conditions, making them more difficult to predict and manage.

Recent field experience shows that high penetration of inverter-based DERs can lead to fast voltage oscillations and elevated harmonic distortion, particularly in electrically weak areas of the grid. These dynamic voltage quality issues can manifest as light flicker, nuisance equipment tripping, and, in some cases, equipment damage. Over a dozen real-world events reported by multiple distribution utilities highlight that these issues are no longer isolated—they are becoming a systemic concern.

This panel brings together utility leaders and industry experts to share first-hand operational experiences, uncover root causes (such as aggressive inverter active islanding detection and control instability), and discuss practical mitigation strategies already being deployed. The session will also explore the growing need to shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive screening and advanced analysis methods, including EMT-based studies and improved interconnection processes. Finally, panelists will examine emerging solutions—ranging from control tuning and improved coordination to grid-forming technologies—and what it will take to scale them effectively.