Topic:"Grid Modernization" in M13083

DESCRIPTION: This project will implement a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform in NS Power's Distribution Control Centre (DCC). The DERMS platform will enable automation of the processes for Distributed Energy Re...

AI summary This project involves implementing a DERMS platform in NS Power's DCC to automate DER management, providing real-time visibility, control, and coordination of DERs. The system will support the integration of DERs into the grid, improve operational awareness, and enable future scalability for DER technologies and programs.

Why do this project? DERs, including solar PV, battery storage, electric vehicles, demand response resources, and customer-owned energy assets continue to play an increasingly important role in achieving Nova Scotia's clean energy objectiv...

AI summary This project aims to deploy a DERMS platform to enhance NS Power's real-time visibility and control of DERs on the distribution system. It supports grid resilience, reliability, and the integration of DERs as active resources. The initiative aligns with the DERIR and addresses operational challenges from uncoordinated DER adoption.

REDACTED CI C0068718 Page 3 of 8 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) and capabilities of DERs on the system today which will support the efficient, effective management of an increasingly complex and bi-directional electric system...

AI summary The document discusses the increasing adoption of DERs in Nova Scotia, driven by rising EV registrations, heat pump installations, and net-metering interconnections. This growth has led to challenges in grid management, including voltage issues and forecasting uncertainty. A DERMS platform is proposed to enhance visibility and forecasting capabilities, supported by federal funding, and is critical for managing DER integration and maintaining system reliability.

Why do this project this way? NS Power does not currently have a centralized platform for operational management of DERs. Today, DERs are managed through a combination of vendor-specific platforms, customer program systems, and manual proc...

AI summary NS Power lacks a centralized platform for managing distributed energy resources (DERs), relying instead on a mix of vendor-specific systems and manual processes. This approach limits visibility and coordination, which will become more challenging as DER adoption grows. NS Power has determined that implementing a scalable Grid DERMS is the preferred solution to achieve better control and integration.

19 Asset Description Power / Energy Location / Related Substation Project Residential battery 134 batteries, 133 in Per Unit: 5 kW N/A Smart Grid storage customer homes and AC power, 13.5- Assets are Nova Scotia one for signal and 18 kWh e...

AI summary The document outlines residential and commercial battery storage systems, solar photovoltaic installations with smart inverters, and grid-connected battery energy storage systems (BESS) across various locations in Nova Scotia. These assets are part of a Smart Grid project, with some related to a specific proceeding (M09519). The DERMS solution supports integration with aggregator platforms, though specific platforms are not confirmed.

Nova Scotia Power Robert Boone [Manager, Grid Mod](http://www.nspower.ca/)ernization www.nspower.ca Dunsky Project Number: 25060

AI summary Nova Scotia Power's Grid Modernization Manager, Robert Boone, is involved in the Dunsky Project Number 25060, which relates to grid modernization efforts.

Pillar 3: Integrating DERs This pillar focuses on the systems, processes, and grid investments required to manage increasing DER penetration. Priorities include DER management systems (DERMS), improved DER visibility and data management, m...

AI summary Pillar 3 focuses on integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into Nova Scotia's electricity system through DER management systems, improved data management, modernized interconnection processes, and targeted grid investments. The roadmap outlines 12 strategies and 28 initiatives, with some already underway and others needing future planning and regulatory guidance.

Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) Advanced Metering infrastructure (AMI) Behind the Meter (BTM) Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Distributed Energy Resources Integrat...

AI summary The document lists various terms and acronyms related to energy management, distribution systems, and regulatory processes in Nova Scotia, including technologies like Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), regulatory frameworks such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), and programs like On-Bill Financing (OBF).

Why DERs? Nova Scotia's electricity system is facing an evolving energy landscape shaped by three key trends: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are recognized as key enablers of decarbonization goals, system flexibility, and load managem...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is adapting to trends driven by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), which enable decarbonization and grid flexibility but also introduce operational challenges. Coordinated DER deployment is essential for grid security, affordability, and reliability, while interoperability gaps and fragmented regulations complicate integration.

NS Power and EfficiencyOne (E1) have deployed several initiatives to support DER integration . NS Power has deployed advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and implemented several time-varying rates to encourage load shifting. E1 delivers...

AI summary NS Power and EfficiencyOne (E1) have implemented initiatives like AMI and time-varying rates to support DER integration. The Energy Reform Act has restructured Nova Scotia's electricity sector, creating the NSEB and IESO Nova Scotia to oversee energy matters and grid operations. These changes emphasize collaboration between multiple organizations for effective system management.

Summary of Roadmap The DERIR is built around three core pillars - 1. Planning for DERs proactively to leverage DERs as a resource for meeting emerging system needs. Planning supports coordinated governance, analytical foundations, and regu...

AI summary The DERIR (Distributed Energy Resources Integration Roadmap) is structured around three pillars: planning for DERs, enabling DER participation, and integrating DERs. These pillars aim to facilitate proactive DER integration, lower participation barriers, and ensure reliable and secure DER dispatch. A total of 12 strategies and 28 initiatives were prioritized based on stakeholder input and internal knowledge.

TABLE 1: DERIR PILLAR, STRATEGY, AND INITIATIVE PRIORITIZATION PILLAR 1: PLANNING FOR DERS STRATEGY INITIATIVE PRIORITY 1.1 Stakeholder 1.1.1 Governance Model FOUNDATIONAL Coordination 1.1.2 Stakeholder Coordination Framework FOUNDATIONAL...

AI summary The DERIR Pillar, Strategy, and Initiative Prioritization table outlines key strategies and initiatives for integrating distributed energy resources (DER) in Nova Scotia. It emphasizes foundational elements such as governance, stakeholder coordination, and DER valuation, alongside evolving and emerging initiatives like equity frameworks and grid modernization.

Qualitative Assessment Criteria Assessment Rationale Jurisdiction Examples The State of New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) established a Benefit-Cost Analysis Framework (BCA Order), which requires New York Joint Utilities to use th...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) frameworks in jurisdictions like New York and Michigan, emphasizing standardized evaluation methods for DER programs. It also introduces the concept of a Non-Wire Alternatives (NWA) framework, which provides a structured approach to evaluating alternatives to traditional grid infrastructure improvements.

Qualitative Assessment of Demand Response Programs Criteria Assessment Rationale Strategic Fit ●●● HIGH DR programs are aligned with broader grid modernization and electrification objectives and allow Nova Scotia to build on existing knowl...

AI summary The qualitative assessment highlights that demand response (DR) programs in Nova Scotia are strategically aligned with grid modernization and electrification goals. They offer benefits such as peak shaving and emission reductions but depend on customer participation and integration with DERMS. While DR programs are cost-favorable due to limited infrastructure needs, risks include underperformance in peak reduction and loss of stakeholder confidence if not well-managed.

Overview Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) enhance visibility and allow utilities to directly orchestrate and coordinate DER behaviour (e.g., curtailment, dispatch for local flexibility) to help avoid grid constraints....

AI summary Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) are critical for integrating DERs by enabling real-time coordination and control. Stakeholders support DERMS and emphasize the need for evolving program design, joint procurement, transparency, and alignment on technical standards and participation models.

Overview This strategy helps ensure DERs can be interconnected and operated in a way that preserves system security, protection, and reliability as DER penetration increases. It focuses on interconnection processes and modern technical sta...

AI summary This strategy ensures DERs can be interconnected and operated safely as their penetration increases. It focuses on interconnection processes and modern technical standards to ensure predictable behavior during normal and abnormal grid conditions. Initiatives include reviewing interconnection procedures and modernizing inverter and protection standards.

Qualitative Assessment for Grid Interconnection Criteria Assessment Rationale Strategic Fit ●● MED Grid security and reliability initiatives can directly support the operation of a safe, secure, reliable system. Clear interconnection, prot...

AI summary The document assesses the qualitative aspects of grid interconnection, emphasizing strategic fit, benefits, cost favorability, and risk management. It highlights the importance of standards development, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration to support DER integration and reliability. The interconnection process review is noted as an evolving initiative.

- Capture case studies of DER integration journeys and innovative efforts by leading utilities Utility Jurisdiction Status\ Overview of DER integration efforts Nova Scotia Emerging Have made progress integrating DERs with several rates and...

AI summary The text presents a table of case studies on DER integration efforts by utilities across various jurisdictions, highlighting the status and initiatives of utilities in Nova Scotia, Vermont, Oregon, Manitoba, Maine, Ontario, Newfoundland, Quebec, New York, California, and Hawaii. Nova Scotia is in the emerging stage with pilot programs and DERMS testing.

Enabling - Limited customer awareness or understanding of DERs and programs - Existing compensation mechanisms may not align with the full value that DERs provide across generation and T&D systems - Limited coordination between stakeholder...

AI summary The text highlights challenges in enabling distributed energy resources (DERs), including limited customer awareness, misaligned incentives, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of coordination in deployment and integration across generation and transmission and distribution (T&D) systems.

Integration Strategies - AMI: Nearly all utilities reviewed have implemented AMI, with some advancing to next generation AMI - DERMs: Most utilities have deployed DERMs to monitor, control, and optimize DER integration - Other grid moderni...

AI summary The document outlines integration strategies for grid modernization, including the implementation of AMI, DERMS, and other software solutions like MNPRs, FLISRs, and VVO. It also mentions hosting capacity maps and improvements to interconnection processes to enhance grid management and efficiency.

NSPI's Progress - 2020 IRP completed with annual action plan updates. - IRP set a target of 75 MW of DR capacity by 2035 and modelled DERs - DR programs including smart thermostats, EV chargers, BESS - TVR programs (TOU, CPP, TOD rate) - U...

AI summary NSPI has made progress in its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), including setting a 75 MW DR capacity target by 2035, implementing DR programs, deploying AMI, and piloting DERMs through SGNS.

Planning Strategies - Integrated Resource Plan : PGE submits a Clean Energy/Integrated Resource Plan, which anticipates and plans for growing electricity demand and a pathway to achieving state GHG reduction targets. It emphasizes the impo...

AI summary PGE outlines its Integrated Resource Plan, Distribution System Plan, and Transportation Electrification Plan, focusing on DER integration, grid modernization, and managing EV loads to meet growing electricity demand and GHG reduction targets.

Integration Strategies - AMI: PGE currently has AMI 1.0 meters installed. In its latest DSP, PGE plans to transition to AMI Next Gen, with plans for 20% of the system to be updated by 2028, and a full system update following that. - DERMs:...

AI summary PGE is implementing integration strategies for its grid, including upgrading to AMI Next Gen meters, deploying an Enterprise DERMs platform, implementing advanced ADMS functions, and utilizing a Distributed Generation Evaluation Map to assess hosting capacity.

Spotlight: Highlights from Con Edison's Distributed System Implementation Plan Con Edison's Distributed System Implementation Plan is a comprehensive plan to achieve its future vision for its Distributed System Platform (that will forecast...

AI summary Con Edison's Distributed System Implementation Plan outlines strategies for integrating DERs, including deferring infrastructure through EE and energy storage, expanding data sharing, modernizing the grid with GIS and DERMS, and engaging stakeholders. These initiatives aim to support grid reliability, customer choice, and market participation.

Spotlight: Highlights from Hawaiian Electric Company's (HECO) Customer Energy Resource Strategy HECO's Customer Energy Resource (CER) strategy centers around three "Cs" that are enabled through three "Ps": - Choice : Customers chose which...

AI summary HECO's Customer Energy Resource (CER) strategy focuses on three 'Cs' (Choice, Coordination, Collaboration) enabled by three 'Ps' (Pricing, Program, Procurement). The strategy includes offering diverse rate options, administering CER programs for load control and demand response, and engaging in competitive procurement for grid services. HECO is also investing in grid modernization technologies and interconnection standards for advanced inverters.

Spotlight: HECO HECO has adopted an Integrated Grid Planning (IGP) framework that holistically considers generation, transmission, distribution, and customer resources. A core component of this framework is a detailed distribution system p...

AI summary HECO has implemented an Integrated Grid Planning framework that includes distribution system planning, collaboration with a Technical Advisory Panel, and an innovation pilot framework to address grid challenges and scale successful projects.

Request IR-1: The application notes the following: …Reduce manual operational DER management effort through process automation; Improve operational awareness through centralized visibility and control of DERs; Standardize management of a m...

AI summary The application highlights the need for a centralized platform to manage and orchestrate DERs, improving visibility and control for NS Power's DCC operators. Current processes are decentralized and manual, leading to localized grid impacts that are difficult to identify without a DERMS platform. The project aligns with the DERIR strategy to coordinate DER behavior and avoid grid constraints.