Grid-Edge Flexibility and Distributed Capacity Procurement Barriers

As the energy transition accelerates, the limitations of traditional grid planning and operations are becoming increasingly apparent. This webinar will explore how utilities, policymakers, and market participants can unlock the full potential of distributed energy resources (DERs) and demand-side flexibility by aligning them with locational and geospatial grid needs. We will discuss the urgent shift required—from legacy customer programs aimed at energy reduction to modern strategies focused on dynamic grid management and resiliency.

In this session, speakers will explore how to operationalize flexibility at scale, including the modernization of utility infrastructure to enable real-time coordination with DERs. We will also examine how integrated planning can guide DER deployment to the most impactful locations, and how bridging the perspectives of engineers, economists, scientists, and entrepreneurs can spark innovation. Through real-world insights and personal stories, the panel will highlight key lessons and breakthroughs from their work at the grid edge—offering both practical strategies and human-centered inspiration for those working to shape the future of energy.