Utilities are being challenged to incorporate new technologies and applications across their grid infrastructure to support the transformation and evolution from a centrally operated, one way grid to a distributed and intelligent grid with multi-path power flow.

Across the energy industry, everyone — from utilities to equipment and application providers – has historically used proprietary protocols and systems to implement solutions. A transformation is underway as open source software, interoperable protocols, and reference frameworks such as OpenFMB™ are now commercially available and ready to enable a robust, distributed electric grid. OES works with utilities, equipment vendors, application developers and national labs to accelerate the development and integration of these technologies into commercial offerings. The energy industry is facing a challenge and an opportunity as it determines how to incorporate new technologies and applications – whether they involve utility or customer equipment – across the energy ecosystem. It is imperative that the traditional utility transmission and distribution grid infrastructure begins to allow for the gradual transformation from a centrally operated, one way grid to a distributed, intelligent multi-path power flow, transaction-oriented entity. Open source software and interoperable protocols are an integral component to unlocking these capabilities. Utilities have an opportunity to leverage the benefits of new technologies on their grid. Representative technologies include stationary assets such as solar PV, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and home energy management (HEM) systems that can manage energy needs based on customer preferences. It also includes mobile sources that could disrupt segments of the grid unintentionally, such as electric vehicle fleets, and vehicle-based generation. The OES team collectively has decades of experience evaluating, testing, and transferring emerging technologies into utility operations and monetizing the benefits.