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Getting Started With Distributed Energy Resources
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Awards 0.4CEUs / 4 PDH (Click for more info)
AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.
Start Flex Connect with a strong DER foundation
Kick off your Flex Connect experience with a hands-on, practical introduction to distributed energy resources (DERs). This interactive course is built for energy professionals who are newer to DERs and ready to build confidence in the technologies, terminology, and trends transforming the grid.
Together, we’ll explore what falls under the DER umbrella—solar PV, energy storage, demand-flexible loads, and enabling tools like distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS).
We’ll break down how these technologies interact with the grid and customers, highlight key market and policy developments, and explore the real-world challenges and opportunities that come with a more distributed, dynamic energy system.
By the end of this training, you'll be able to:
- Define distributed energy resources and name common DER technologies
- Describe how DERs operate and summarize their capabilities
- Explain how DERs create value for utilities, customers, the grid, and wholesale markets
- Discuss challenges related to DER integration and assess their impact on grid operations and reliability
- Recognize how DERs influence utility-customer relationships, policy design, and market transformation
Whether you're brand new to DERs or just need a refresher, this session sets the stage for the next day and a half of Flex Connect learning.
Your instructor
Derek Kirchner
Senior Consultant, Intelligent Grid Solutions at TRC Companies, Inc.
Derek Kirchner, Senior Consultant at TRC Companies is in the Intelligent Grid Solutions practice where he focuses on consulting with utilities in Distributed Energy Resources, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems and Retail and Wholesale energy markets. Mr. Kirchner spent over 22 years working within regulated utilities in Michigan managing multiple utility programs, products, and services in Demand Side Management in support of utility generation planning and clean energy goals.