Independence with Distributed Energy Resources | SJVCEO August Playlist

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are modern technologies that capture energy directly at or near its point of use. When utilized effectively, DERs can strengthen the power grid's reliability while providing cost and energy savings.

Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM) is a forward-thinking strategy that focuses on seamlessly integrating demand side resources. These resources include a wide range of technologies such as energy efficiency (EE), energy conservation, demand response (DR), advanced metering, and various DERs like renewables, distributed generation (DG), and storage.

In the context of IDSM, DERs play a crucial role by providing essential attributes like flexibility, grid stability, optimized energy consumption, demand response capabilities, and the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

Noteworthy examples of DERs include advanced technologies like battery storage, electric vehicles, state-of-the-art solar inverters, grid-interactive water heaters, and electrified public buses.  DERs offer operational flexibility in managing energy consumption, strongly support demand response programs, promote decentralized energy generation, and enhance grid reliability.

Looking ahead, DERs offer an exciting opportunity for California to expand its utilization of renewable and zero-carbon energy sources while driving the electrification of transportation and buildings. It's crucial to acknowledge that deploying DERs could lead to environmental challenges, such as heightened land use and spatial footprint concerns, and potential air pollution emissions. Despite these considerations, the potential for positive change through DERs is truly promising for our state's sustainable energy future.

Courtney’s Picks:
In the words of a very wise woman, “Independent doesn’t necessarily mean being alone.  Maybe it just means you’re not dependent.”

You Don’t Own Me, SAYGRACE, G-Eazy
Bitch Better Have My Money, Rihanna
Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
You’re On Your Own, Kid, Taylor Swift

Sam’s Picks:
I consider being independent a strength. The ability to stand on your own, whether as a human or an energy system, is undervalued. I think you will very much get that from my song choices this month. Plug in and enjoy!

Flowers, Miley Cyrus
Me, Myself and I, Beyonce
Dirt off Your Shoulder, Jay Z
Free Bird, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Kelsey’s Picks:
While not all my song choices may exude independence in their titles, I still feel like they are perfect choices for this month. Being independent is not only an admirable quality for a person to embody, but it is also great for our energy technology!

Formation, Beyonce
Don’t Start Now, Dua Lipa
Drag Me Down, One Direction
Fortnight, Taylor Swift (featuring Post Malone)

Rochelle’s Picks:
When I think of independence, I think of the freedom to have options. That is the central theme of the songs I selected. These artists stand tall and proclaim their independence, but they are not beholden to the whims or desires of others. That is why technologies such as thermal storage are so important, as they give utility customers the energy independence to operate outside of utility peak hours and free up some cash by shifting their overall energy load.

Control, Janet Jackson
Independent, Webbie (feat. Boosie Badazz & Lil Phat)
Feeling Myself Nicki Minaj (feat. Beyoncé)
Independent Women Pt. 1, Destiny’s Child