Distribution Planning and Grid Modernization

Planning for distribution investments amid load growth, DER adoption, and grid modernization in the face of aging infrastructure.

E3 helps utilities and regulators plan, prioritize, and justify distribution investments amid load growth, DER adoption, and aging infrastructure.

We assess distribution grid needs, identify the lowest-cost mix of upgrades, distribution automation, and flexible interconnection to meet them, and build fundable roadmaps for AMI, ADMS, and DERMS. Our proactive, integrated distribution planning pairs feeder-level electrification and DER forecasts with non-wires alternatives and locational value, consistent with resource planning and state policy. We evaluate the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of grid technologies and customer DER programs, with business cases and implementation plans. Through regulatory filings, testimony, and stakeholder processes, we build alignment on distribution plans and grid modernization investments.

How we support

Distribution planning and grid modernization

Load and DER forecasting

Long-term forecasts of load growth and DER adoption, resolved to the feeder and substation level, as the foundation for distribution investment decisions.

Distribution planning and power flow analysis

Scenario-based feeder and substation analysis, power flow modeling, hosting capacity, and system impact studies.

Grid needs and non-wires alternatives

Comparing traditional upgrades with non-wires alternatives, flexible interconnection, and distribution automation to find the lowest-cost way to meet each grid need.

Integrated distribution plans and regulatory support

Distribution plans coordinated with resource planning and state policy and robust across load growth and DER futures. Includes capital prioritization and support for filings and stakeholder engagement.

Grid modernization

Business cases and least-regrets roadmaps for AMI, ADMS, DERMS, and distribution automation, with use cases, architecture, and procurement support.

DER integration and DSO constructs

Customer DER programs that deliver the capabilities the grid needs, DER participation in ISO/RTO markets, and the business models and transmission-distribution coordination that distribution operators need as DER grow.

Who we work with

Across distribution planning and grid modernization

Utilities

Distribution plans, capital prioritization, grid modernization filings, and added planning capacity with owner’s engineer services to ensure implementations achieve their objectives.