FERC directs regional grid operators to revise their tariffs to establish DERs as a category of market participants. While this does not immediately change the landscape, the new rules could provide an opportunity for smaller generation from companies like Helios Altas and Wind Harvest International to be used in DER projects.
Distributed energy resources have been hampered historically by being too small to justify operating on the Energy Grid. Being able to operate on the Grid allows for a smaller grid to buy and sell energy in the larger market. This is important for DERs to make financial sense and for their reliability. Currently, many Grids and energy markets have financial barriers that make smaller energy generation uncompetitive.
Overall this should increase energy competition and grid reliability. In California, there still are major obstacles in connecting and interacting effectively with the Grid.
Learn more about the FERC ruling here.