DERMS selection and implementation
As the grid of the future takes shape, utilities are turning to distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) to integrate and use a growing mix of distributed energy resources (DERs). Variable renewable generation and an increasingly diverse DER portfolio make strategic implementation essential.
DERMS give utilities the capabilities to manage DERs in real time, with continuous communication, control and data flows across solar panels, batteries and other behind-the-meter devices. They also forecast DER production and demand, so operators can dispatch the right amount of power when and where it is needed. To deliver that capability, the platform must exchange data with ADMS, EMS, GIS and customer systems, and that integration plan shapes both vendor selection and implementation.
We support utilities at each stage, from needs assessment and vendor selection through OT data readiness, implementation and cutover.
watts of new distributed energy resources projected by 2028
(source about how DER implementation to grow by 217 gigawatts by 2028)
dollars = the size of the global DERMS market by 2030
(source about how global DERMS market will reach $1.86 billion by 2030)
How we help utilities select and implement DERMS
Logic20/20 helps utilities maximize ROI on their DERMS investments by focusing on key areas:
Needs Assessment
Compare current DER management capabilities with regulatory commitments and projected DER growth to define what the DERMS must do.
Which DER capabilities exist today, such as scheduling, demand response, monitoring and control, and which systems provide them?
Which use cases do near-term and long-term regulatory requirements call for?
How will projected capacity growth affect scale requirements?
Outcome: Defined DERMS use cases and business objectives
Needs Assessment
Compare current DER management capabilities with regulatory commitments and projected DER growth to define what the DERMS must do.
Which DER capabilities exist today, such as scheduling, demand response, monitoring and control, and which systems provide them?
Which use cases do near-term and long-term regulatory requirements call for?
How will projected capacity growth affect scale requirements?
Outcome: Defined DERMS use cases and business objectives
Use Case Definition & Prioritization
Rank use cases by business value, technical feasibility and regulatory need to support a focused, phased rollout.
- What is each use case worth to the business, and how will that value be measured?
- Which use cases do existing systems already cover?
Outcome: Prioritized use cases mapped to business needs, ready for roadmapping and detailed requirements
Use Case Definition & Prioritization
Rank use cases by business value, technical feasibility and regulatory need to support a focused, phased rollout.
- What is each use case worth to the business, and how will that value be measured?
- Which use cases do existing systems already cover?
Outcome: Prioritized use cases mapped to business needs, ready for roadmapping and detailed requirements
Strategy & Implementation Roadmap
Build a plan that ties DERMS adoption to organizational goals, with milestones, resource needs and cost estimates.
Outcome: High-level roadmap, phased implementation plan, project timeline and cost estimate
Strategy & Implementation Roadmap
Build a plan that ties DERMS adoption to organizational goals, with milestones, resource needs and cost estimates.
Outcome: High-level roadmap, phased implementation plan, project timeline and cost estimate
Capability Maturity Model
Define what each DERMS capability looks like at each maturity level, then track progress through implementation and after.
Outcome: Capability maturity model and dashboard
Capability Maturity Model
Define what each DERMS capability looks like at each maturity level, then track progress through implementation and after.
Outcome: Capability maturity model and dashboard
RFP Development & Vendor Selection
Develop technical requirements, an evaluation framework, demo scripts and reference questionnaires, then manage the vendor response process.
Outcome: An objective vendor assessment, clearly defined system requirements and a reusable evaluation framework
RFP Development & Vendor Selection
Develop technical requirements, an evaluation framework, demo scripts and reference questionnaires, then manage the vendor response process.
Outcome: An objective vendor assessment, clearly defined system requirements and a reusable evaluation framework
System Implementation
Oversee PMO setup and governance, vendor contracting, business process design, testing, change management and cutover.
- What governance structure keeps the program aligned with business objectives?
- How will the vendor contract support future scalability and interoperability?
- What phased deployment approach limits operational disruption?
- How will operators and stakeholders be prepared ahead of go-live?
Outcome: A go-live plan, enforceable vendor agreements, clear decision rights and documented operational workflows
Read more: OT business integration: Aligning teams for a successful system launch
System Implementation
Oversee PMO setup and governance, vendor contracting, business process design, testing, change management and cutover.
- What governance structure keeps the program aligned with business objectives?
- How will the vendor contract support future scalability and interoperability?
- What phased deployment approach limits operational disruption?
- How will operators and stakeholders be prepared ahead of go-live?
Outcome: A go-live plan, enforceable vendor agreements, clear decision rights and documented operational workflows
Read more: OT business integration: Aligning teams for a successful system launch
WEBINAR
Harnessing the power of DERMS: enhancing the grid’s flexibility and reliability
WHITE PAPER
Planning for net-zero utilities: Integrating renewables and DERs
DERMS use cases
A key part of a utilities distributed energy management system strategic roadmap and planning includes prioritizing top use cases and weighing an asset vs. grid centric approach. By focusing on the most impactful use cases, utilities can provide a comprehensive, real-time overview of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their effects on the electrical grid. Additionally, the evolving energy landscape presents a diverse range of energy resources, adding complexities that utilities must navigate to integrate various energy sources effectively. By focusing on the most impactful use cases, utilities can address critical challenges such as load balancing, peak demand management, and renewable energy integration more effectively.
This strategic approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also maximizes the return on investment in a DERMS software platform that enhances the integration and optimization of various distributed energy resources.
Read more: 4 essential DERMS use cases for a smarter, more resilient grid >>
Flexible Service Connection
Connect customers in constrained areas under time-varying operating limits Learn more
Dynamic Operating Envelope
Set adaptive generation and load limits to manage constraints
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
Aggregate storage, solar, and demand response assets
Vehicle-to-Grid Integration
Manage bidirectional power flow, aggregation and managed charging
DER Forecasting
Forecast net load and available flexible capacity hours or days ahead
DER Visibility
Give system operators access to DER telemetry
What to evaluate in a DERMS vendor
Fit with priority use cases
How well the platform supports the utility's highest-value use cases, and how quickly it can deliver returns.
Scalability and Customization
How the vendor handles growth and functionality the platform does not offer today.
Peer Utility Experience
Results at utilities with similar network size, DER mix and regulatory context.
Partnership Ecosystem
Explore the vendor’s recent partnerships, like Schneider Electric’s collaboration with Uplight/AutoGrid, to understand how the alliances enhance the DERMS capabilities.
Customer Base and Costs
Whether a larger installed base spreads development and deployment costs.
Integration Approach
The vendor's track record connecting grid-edge and utility DERMS functions, and connecting DERMS with ADMS, EMS and GIS.
Implementation Record
Costs of the initial deployment and of ongoing feature development.
Out-of-Box Capability
How much the platform delivers before configuration or custom development.
Outcomes
Enhanced grid stability
Mitigate the variability of renewable energy sources by managing the flow of power from DERs on the DERMS platform, ensuring grid stability and maintaining a reliable and efficient energy infrastructure.
Improved efficiency
Optimize the dispatch of DERs to reduce the need for expensive peak power generation and increase overall grid efficiency. Effective coordination of these technologies can lead to significant cost savings while also improving grid security.
Increased resilience
Enhance grid resilience against outages by quickly redistributing energy resources where needed, thereby improving grid reliability.
Demand response management
Support demand response programs by controlling DERs to reduce load during peak demand times.
Data-driven insights
Gain insights into energy usage patterns, system vulnerabilities, and opportunities for further optimization.
Case study
Powering change: implementing DERMS for enhanced energy resource management
Learn how we're helping a major West Coast utility move towards an enterprise DERMS solution that provides seamless access to DER capacity information and enables an integrated approach to grid management.
DERMS Insights
Choosing the right DERMS strategy: Grid-centric vs. grid-edge
How utilities weigh grid-centric and grid-edge approaches when defining a DERMS strategy
4 essential DERMS use cases
Four use cases shaping how utilities manage DERs on a more flexible, resilient grid
OT business integration: Aligning teams for system launch
How aligning business processes, readiness activities and cutover planning keeps an OT system launch on track
Frequently asked questions
How do utilities choose between grid-centric and grid-edge DERMS?
The choice depends on which use cases come first and who owns the DERs involved. Grid-centric platforms suit constraint management on the utility network. Grid-edge platforms suit programs built on customer devices and aggregators. Many utilities plan for both and sequence them
How does DERMS integrate with ADMS and EMS?
DERMS exchanges network model, telemetry, forecast and dispatch data with ADMS and EMS. The integration design specifies which system owns each function and data element, how often data moves and what triggers each exchange.
What data readiness work should happen before DERMS implementation?
Utilities map each DERMS data exchange by source, destination, transfer method and frequency, and assign an owner to every critical data element. Telemetry and communications gaps identified at this stage are cheaper to close than gaps found during testing.
How do utilities prioritize DERMS use cases?
Utilities rank use cases by business value, technical feasibility and regulatory requirement, then check which ones existing systems already cover. The top use cases set the first release and shape the vendor evaluation.
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