After hosting a distributed energy resources conference early this month, the Organization of MISO States has formed a temporary work group to formulate ideas on incorporating DER into the grid.

The group will report to the OMS board, OMS Executive Director Tanya Paslawski said at a board meeting Thursday. She said the group will have a regional focus, studying how distributed energy resources in one state affects other states. Members will also discuss with MISO analysts the potential needs on the system from increased DER use, she said.

The organization’s leadership said the Aug. 1 workshop was well-received by stakeholders, industry officials and regulators. (See Stakeholders Hash out Future of DER at OMS Workshop.)

Missouri Public Service Commission Chairman Daniel Hall said the workshop sent a “very clear message to MISO and stakeholders” that distributed energy resources is a very important topic that regulators are going to take an active role in shaping.

“I thought it was a really fantastic, thought-provoking day,” Paslawski agreed. “It’s opening up conversations about DER.”

OMS, representing MISO’s state regulating sector, will also weigh in on distributed energy resource issues next month as part of the “hot topic” discussion during the RTO’s quarterly Board of Directors week in St. Paul, Minn.

— Amanda Durish Cook