Developing a distributed energy resource strategy

Notice:
Platte River and the owner communities developed a distributed energy resource (DER) strategy in July 2021. View the DER strategy here.


Developing a
distributed energy
resource strategy

Platte River and its owner communities’ utilities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland are working to develop a strategy to integrate DERs. The ability to successfully integrate DERs will play an important role in achieving the goals of Platte River’s Resource Diversification Policy, which calls for a 100% noncarbon energy mix by 2030 provided that it can be done in a manner that is reliable, financially sustainable and environmentally responsible.

As the strategy is being developed, citizens of Platte River’s owner communities will have opportunities to engage with the planning process through public listening sessions.

What are DERs?

DERs are physical or virtual devices or systems that can be deployed on the electric distribution system or on customer premises that can be used to provide value to all customers through electric system optimization and/or individual customer benefits.

Energy efficiency
Methods of reducing energy used by equipment, an appliance or process while still providing the same beneficial result.

Demand response
Also known as responsive load, refers to shifts in energy usage to better align with times that energy supply is more readily available.

Distributed generation
Technologies located on the distribution system that generate energy, like rooftop solar.

Distributed energy storage
Includes technologies like batteries that can store energy from the electric system when it’s plentiful or inexpensive and return it to the system when needed.

Beneficial electrification
Replaces fossil fuel use with electricity to reduce emissions and energy costs, including greater use of electric vehicles and electric heat pump technology.