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Distribution Systems and Planning

Western States Integrated Distribution Systems Planning Training Sessions

The Western States Integrated Distribution Systems Planning Training Sessions includes 101-level sessions on electric distribution systems, utility distribution system planning, and state engagement in distribution planning. More in-depth technical sessions cover topics such as planning for resilience and reliability and emerging distribution planning analyses (for example, scenario modeling, hosting capacity analysis, and locational net benefits). 

The training is made possible through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium, in partnership with Berkeley Lab, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Quick Links

Peer-Sharing Webinars for Public Utility Commissions on Integrated Distribution System Planning, (February 27-June 12, 2023)

Training Webinars on Electricity System Planning, (May-June 2022)

NCEP Modeling and Tools Training, (October 1-November 1, 2021)

Public Utility Commission Stakeholder Engagement: A Decision-Making Framework, January 2021

Southeastern DSP Training Sessions March 2020

Task Force on Comprehensive Electricity Planning Resource Library

Integration, Management, and Control of Supply-Side DER (30 min)

Integration, Management, and Control of Supply-Side DER

Speaker: Patrick Dalton (ICF) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – February 26, 2021

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Demand Flexibility Technology, New Programs and Emerging Policies (25 min)

Demand Flexibility Technology, New Programs and Emerging Policies

Speaker: Mary Ann Plette (LBNL) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – February 26, 2021

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Grid Modernization and Resilience Planning (37 min)

Grid Modernization and Resilience Planning

Speakers: Paul De Martini (NC) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 5, 2021

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Grid Modernization Investment Economics (17 min)

Grid Modernization Investment Economics

Speakers: Dr. Fredrich (Fritz) Kahrl (3rdRall Inc.) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 5, 2021

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Planning for Energy Storage (33 min)

Planning for Energy Storage

Speaker: Jeremy Twichell (LLNL) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 19, 2021

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Storage for Integration and Hybrid Power Plants (24 min)

Storage for Integration and Hybrid Power Plants

Speaker: Andrew D. Mills (LBNL) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 19, 2021

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Electrification of Transportation and Buildings (30 min)

Electrification of Transportation and Buildings

Speakers: David Danner (WUTC), Andrew McAllister (CEC), Cynthia Hall (NMPRC) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 19, 2021

Investment economics: Approaches for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Utility Investments in Grid Modernization (30 min)

Investment economics: Approaches for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Utility Investments in Grid Modernization

Speakers: David Morton (British Columbia Utilities Commission) Jay Balasbas (Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission), Chris Parker (Utah Division of Public Utilities) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 29, 2021

Regulatory Approaches and Utility Business Models (30 min)

Regulatory Approaches and Utility Business Models

Speakers: Eric Blank (Colorado Public Utilities Commission), Jennifer Potter (Hawaii Public Utilities Commission) Bryce Freeman (Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate) – Distribution Systems Planning Training for Western States – March 29, 2021