The 2024 Distributech (DTech) conference in Orlando, Florida saw remarkable growth, with over 17k industry participants and 650 exhibitors. Attendees raised concerns about event location, emphasizing convenience. And, unfortunately, DTech 2024 became a super-spreader event for COVID and flu, but most vaccinated contacts recovered swiftly. Even so, Modern Grid Solutions had a strong presence, connecting with professionals and forging new relationships.
Continuing from last year, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) remained a central theme at the DTech conference. Here are the key takeaways:
DER Forecasting: Vendors are now diving deeper, forecasting DER behavior down to the residence level.
DER Program Management: The role of the DER Program manager is gaining prominence. It serves as a crucial starting point in the end-to-end DER life cycle.
Cloud Architecture: Many products are being re-architected for cloud readiness. They handle real-time visibility and control across remote assets, from hundreds to hundreds of thousands.
Location Matters: DER management varies based on utility location:
Within an RTO/ISO
Whether DERs are transmission- or distribution-connected
The focus on storage
Impact of FERC Order 2222 on operations
In this dynamic landscape, vendors are continuously enhancing their offerings, introducing new features, and sharing experiences from utilities worldwide. The race is on, with front-runners leading the charge.
GE Vernova showcased its GridOS at the conference. This new approach emphasizes rearchitecting for cloud readiness. While their EMS and ADMS will eventually transition to GridOS, the current focus is on DER and related features like program management, DER forecasting, and distribution-level optimization.
Hitachi Energy has integrated ABB offerings into its IT products. While the level of integration remains to be seen, their story and roadmap are clear. Hitachi now provides additional services:
White Glove Delivery: A 3rd party supplier delivers Hitachi ADMS systems to smaller utilities. Services include data gathering, model updates, validation, and interfacing with related systems.
Method: A subsidiary focused on system integration.
Xtensible stood out at the conference. Their focus was on the CIM database manager, enabling visualization of the CIM model through one-lines and displays. They seamlessly integrate with various data structures and formats, targeting an underserved market space.
Other companies included Accurant, Expeto, a wireless provider that delivers a hybrid 4G/5G mobile network that can serve the connectivity needs of the modern grid, and all use zero-trust public network infrastructure (see our feature article on page 6), and Grokit Data featured its solution for what may be the future of machine-to-machine communications with its Paranet network operating system, protocol, and actors. Of course, there were Cloud/IT providers like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, etc., and plenty of wireless providers, too, like Access Wireless, AT&T, and Verizon. Large and small energy consultants had booths, including Accenture, EY, Deloitte, MWResources, PSC Consulting, and EPE.
All of these companies were there to win the favor of utilities of which many came in large numbers: Alabama Power, AEP, Execlong, BC Hydro, Constellation Energy, DTE, Duke, Entergy, Eversource, HydroOne, PG&E, PPL, Snohomish County PUD, and many others.
Modern Grid Solutions returned from DTech 2024 with renewed vigor and insights. Here’s our takeaway:
Knowledge Amplified: We left DTech significantly smarter, having delved into cutting-edge technologies and services. The learning curve was steep, but we emerged better equipped to serve our clients.
Industry in Flux: Our industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with dimensions expanding, scales recalibrating, and speeds accelerating. The future remains enigmatic yet promising.
Collective Optimism: Amidst it all, there’s an electric buzz. Excitement at DTech 2024 surpassed our expectations.
