The document discusses the complexities of grid modernization, highlighting key components such as utility business model reform, distribution planning, and stakeholder engagement. It emphasizes the need for effective policies and trust in utility proposals, as well as the importance of addressing foundational issues without neglecting consumer interests. The presentation by Sky Stanfield outlines the urgency of modernizing the grid while navigating various challenges and stakeholder dynamics.

1. State Approaches to DERs: A Skilled
Ringmaster Required
Presenta)on by Sky Stanfield
July 13, 2016

2. Where is Grid
Modernization Happening?
States with Current Proceedings
States in Early Stages/Considering
District of
Columbia
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3. What is Grid Modernization?
• Utility business model reform
• Distribution system planning
• Hosting capacity
• Locational value assessments
• Smart meters
• Procurement programs for DERs
• Rate design
• Interconnection policy
• Data sharing and transparency
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4. Courtesy of Circus World Museum, Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
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5. Grid Mod is a Juggling Act
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6. What is driving the conversation?
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• Is the state facing a crisis point? i.e. reaching NEM
caps, interconnection queue backlog, utility
acquisitions?
• Is there time for a long-range approach or is there a
need for immediate action?

7. Are Foundational Policies in Place?
• Clearly Articulated
Policy Goals (i.e.
RPS, CO2 Targets)
• Interconnection
Standards
• Smart Meters
• Sufficient Grid
Transparency
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8. Can you Skip the Business Model?
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9. • Will utility proposal be trusted if their
incentives are misaligned?
• If significant capital investments are on
the table (i.e. for grid management
software) how do you ensure they are
deployed effectively?
• The role of “walk, jog, run” and
“gradualism”
• Risk of further entrenchment
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10. 10
• Considerable interaction & overlap between issues
• Determine best possible order to address each
• Think about how the “hand-off” will go
• Example: Do we risk inaccurate valuation results if
the interconnection costs are not understood first?

11. Are there Sufficient Commission
Resources available?
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12. What Does Meaningful Stakeholder
Engagement Look Like?
• Stakeholders do not have unlimited resources
• Structure processes to get substantive and
specific contributions
• Utility control over engagement limits
achievement of disruption goals
• Asking only market players leaves out the
interests of consumers and public interest
• Ask early to avoid the need to re-do or re-visit
foundational issues
• Coordinate and share responsibility 12

13. Do Not Forget the Customer
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14. Sky Stanfield
Senior Special Counsel
Shute Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP
stanfield@smwlaw.com
Sara Baldwin Auck
IREC’s Regulatory Program
Director
sarab@irecusa.org
www.irecusa.org
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