Anaya, K. and Pollitt, M.
The Role of Distribution Network Operators in Promoting Cost-Effective Distributed Generation: Lessons from the United States for Europe
CWPE1448
Abstract: We explore the different competitive mechanisms applied by electric utilities from the USA in promoting cost-effective Distribution Generation (DG) resources and the challenges that they face due to the increase in DG connections. Case studies from California, Oregon, Colorado and New York are discussed. The case studies refer to two kinds of competitive mechanisms: Request for Proposals (RFP) and auctions (Renewable Auction Mechanism). The study proposes an auction design with a focus on the UK context and examines the role of energy regulators in auction mechanisms. We think that the experience described in the four case studies can be replicated by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Europe, however unbundling rules established in the EC third package need to be taken into consideration.
Keywords: electricity auctions, distributed generation, renewable energy, third energy package
JEL Codes: D44 L51 L94 Q28,Q48
PDF: https://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/research-files/repec/cam/pdf/cwpe1448.pdf 
EPRG Paper Link: 1422
Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.5677
