DER Task Force

Over the DER Task Force's short history we've had two meetup presentations focused on NY’s Value of Distributed Energy (VDER). First was Russell Wilcox's, this show's producer and CEO of Urban Energy, and second was Justin Gundlach's of the Institute for Policy Integrity. Both can be found in our Content Library.In this episode, Colleen, Duncan, and James explore what NY's application of the VDER framework is and how it is going. We discuss each component of the VDER value stack, consider the original motivations of VDER and the Reforming the Energy Vision processes, come up with some ways to improve it, and ultimately each host decides whether VDER has been a success thus far.Visit http://www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

For our first meetup of 2020, Ben Carron of E3 presented on how DER have integrated with wholesale markets over the years. In this episode we try to build on everything Ben taught us, with a focus on today's typical DER monetization strategies, historical wholesale market design implications, and the future of DERs participation.You can find Ben's meetup presentation in our Content Library and follow him on Twitter @BooshCarronSee www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

In 2019, Madison Freeman from Energy Impact Partners presented on trends and predictions for DER-focused venture capital. This episode builds on her presentation as Colleen, Duncan, and James explore the transition from cleantech to climate tech. We explore the avenues of financing by examining David Energy's $1.5 million pre-seed funding round and Scale Microgrid Solutions' $300 million equity commitment to scale the company and finance microgrid projects. Plus, who thinks we need more companies like Enron? See www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes. Relevant Reading on Recent Funds:-Prime Coalition raises $52m early-stage fund for breakthrough climate tech https://impactalpha.com/prime-impact-fund-raises-52-million-to-jumpstart-climate-tech-pipeline/-Pale Blue Dot announced €53m early-stage fund for EU climate tech https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/16/pale-blue-dot/ -Blackrock leads $50m investment in off-grid renewable-generated water technology https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/blackrock-leads-50-million-investment-in-off-grid-solar-technology-that-makes-water-Amazon raises $2b climate pledge fund for industries impacted by climate, including energy, transportation and agriculture https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-to-launch-2-billion-venture-capital-fund-to-invest-in-clean-energy-11592910001 -Lowercarbon Capital, launched by Chris Sacca, announced VC fund focused on reducing carbon emissions https://www.axios.com/chris-sacca-clean-energy-venture-capital-dde84900-5b80-4443-b662-1f2f8cdfa809.html This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

In our July 2019 meetup, Colleen Metelitsa, presented on the potential for blockchain as a technology to allow for increased penetration of DERs.   Blockchain hit peak hype in 2017 with over 150 companies pursuing blockchain in energy use cases and hundreds of millions invested in start-ups. In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals around how blockchain could potentially help integrate DERs, looking at real-time operation of the grid, necessary governance structures, and cybersecurity. We discuss whether community microgrids are the killer app blockchain has been looking for. Plus, who on the task force wants to federalize the grid? See www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

Public safety power shutoffs were our first meetup topic in May of 2019, which means this group is almost a year old now!California’s power system faces an unprecedented challenge — the grid is sparking wildfires, the wildfires are immensely destructive, climate change is exasperating this, and we need to start strategically shutting off the grid to prevent this from happening every year.In this episode we recap the problem, discuss solutions, and examine what the state’s current plans are.See www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

Franchise rights are an under-explored topic that are a core component of where utilities’ derive their power over the distribution grid. Figuring out their place in a decentralized future is essential in ensuring a just energy transition. We should be asking: with the ability to build supply almost anywhere with DERs, is the grid a natural monopoly? How do we reconcile the tension between franchise rights inhibiting DERs and the utility obligation to serve? In this episode, hear everything from a brief history of infrastructure on the grid to how the public safety power shutoffs in California give us a lens into these important questions. See www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

Who are we? Where did this come from? What are we trying to do? All the answers are here! See www.dertaskforce.com for more information on upcoming meetups and podcast episodes.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe