PLMA: Load Management Dialogues

04/23/2025 Load Management Dialogue: All About Distribution Systems Operator (DSO) Models and How They Support DER Integration and Flexibility

PLMA Season 7 Episode 2

Industry expert, Doug Houseman, joins PLMA for a deep dive into the critical role to be played in the energy industry by Distribution Systems Operators (DSOs). We’ll explore how DSOs enable DERs, and how DSO business models differ from traditional distribution utility models and why, plus we’ll discuss examples of successful DSOs and how they coordinate DER activity via programs and markets. And, we’ll answer your questions, including why it’s critical we increase flexibility on distribution and transmission systems now, as a path to transitioning the U.S. to a DSO model.