Distributed Energy Resource (DER) refers to smaller generation units that are located on the consumer’s side of the meter. Examples of distributed energy resources that can be installed include roof top solar, wind generating units, battery storage, batteries in electric vehicles used to export power back to the grid, biomass generators, open and closed cycle gas turbines, reciprocating engines, or fuel cells.

Many of these technologies are not exclusively found “behind the meter”. Distributed generation (local generation) is the term used when electricity is generated from sources, often renewable energy sources, near the point of use instead of centralized generation sources from power plants.

Distributed Energy Resources have the potential to provide consumers with a range of benefits including reducing the price customers pay for electricity, lowering overall system demand, and reducing the overall emissions by displacing other carbon-intensive generation.

While DER provides a range of benefits, it also includes a range of relatively new and developing technologies. Power systems and networks need to adjust to the effects of these new technologies. It is important that these initial issues are recognized and addressed, to ensure that the benefits of DER can be fully realized.  (www.aemc.gov.au)