Out West student blog

Managing the distribution system in a high DER future

By
Merrill Storch
Four people stand arm in arm with an official background and two American flags behind them
From L to R: Commissioner Darcie Houck, Shultz Fellow Merrill Storch, Deputy Chief of Staff Amanda Singh Birmingham, and Advisor Victor Smith after a CPUC voting meeting in San Francisco. Photo by Tyler Gamble.

 

Merrill Storch (she/her)
Hometown: Cortland, NY
Major: MS Civil and Environmental Engineering, Atmosphere/Energy, '25
Internship: California Public Utilities Commission, Office of Commissioner Darcie Houck

As California shifts to 100% clean energy, a high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) necessitates the consideration of alternative distribution system operator models

Working in Commissioner Houck’s office at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this summer was an eye-opening and enlightening experience. California is a global leader in the transition to clean energy, making its energy policies critical not just for Californians, but also a roadmap for other regions around the world. Collaborating with Commissioner Houck and her dedicated team provided me with an inside look at the most pressing issues in energy policy today, including the need to ensure equity as we transition to a 100% clean energy grid. The passion and commitment of everyone in the office were inspiring, and I left with a renewed confidence that the CPUC has the public’s best interests at heart.

My main project focused on the High Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Proceeding, where I explored alternative models for distribution system operators (DSOs). As California moves toward decarbonizing its grid, there is an expected increase in distributed energy resources (DERs), which necessitates innovative policies to fully leverage these capabilities while maintaining grid reliability. Currently, investor-owned utilities (IOUs) serve as the distribution system operators for their respective jurisdictions. This summer, I examined alternative models where DSO responsibilities could be divided among different entities. With the emergence of new technologies, there may also be a need for a new distribution-level energy market, which I also researched.

I am hopeful that the CPUC will continue to explore these alternative DSO models and potentially initiate pilot projects to develop the most efficient and reliable system for customers. The experience has left me with a deep respect for the work being done at the CPUC and a sense of optimism about the future of energy policy in California.

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